Discarded or donated computers, copiers, and media disks are a principle source of information for identity thieves. These items should not be viewed as trash but rather as archives of confidential data.

Discarded or donated computers, copiers and media disks are a principle source of information for identity thieves. These items should not be viewed as trash but rather as archives of confidential data.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that 11.7 million people were victims of identity theft between 2006 and 2008. Proper data security is a crucial element in preventing identity theft.

The majority of US recycling companies ship electronic waste overseas. Identity thieves are able to buy and fish though hundreds of hard drives and media disks at a time and pull social security numbers, bank account details, birth certificates, online passwords, passport photos and addresses to create new identities, credit cards, take out loans, and empty bank accounts.

Deleting data does not remove it completely. Data is only gone once the hard disk has been written over at least 7 times with Department of Defense compliant data erasing software or physically destroyed.

Advanced Data Security Services

For your peace of mind and protection, GreenCitizen offers the following data destruction services:

  • Hard Disk Destruction Services at a GreenCitizen Eco-Center
  • Mail-in Hard Disk Destruction
  • Copier Data Destruction
  • Media Destruction
  • On-Site Hard Disk Destruction Services

James Kao is the founder/CEO of GreenCitizen, which provides products and services that help make every day Earth Day. He's passionate about data and sustainability, with a deep background in launching, funding, and managing successful tech companies. James enjoys spending quality time with his family, hiking, traveling, watching well-made documentaries, and eating good healthy food. read more »

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