SANS ISC: Cyber Security Awareness Month - Day 9 - Disposal of an Old Computer

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We have all needed to dispose of unused computers at home and the office.  I would like to encourage each of you to consider a responsible choice that helps the environment while at the same time safeguarding yourself, your company and your data.

• Save all important documents off onto a secure removable storage device, preferably encrypted media.
• Wherever possible, extract any software license keys for reusable software.
• Wipe your hard disk with Kill Disk, Boot and Nuke or like software.  I typically keep/destroy my drives, but before I do I will wipe them by attaching them to another computer with my handy hard drive adapter kit.  The adapter kit allows me to attach SATA/IDE drives to any computer through the USB port. (It's handy...and has bailed me out many times.)
• Remove any reusable cables or parts such as a network card. (A backup NIC is always handy...)
• Remove any batteries and recycle them properly.

Here is a list of URL's of the recycling programs from some of the well known players in the computing industry.  Mileage will vary based on your needs.  I have used Best Buy's program for no other reason than its convenience and accessibility.  Many other's have different things to offer.  Review them all and see which suits you. 

Donating your computer is always a good choice as well.  However, remember if you choose to donate any computer there are things that should be done to prevent harm to you or your company and exposing sensitive data. You will read more on Securing a Donated Computer another day. That is the topic for Day 16, stay tuned...

Please comment below if you know any additional steps or resources out there to assist in computer disposal and as always contact us via our contact form.  Any sites that help out for countries other than the US would be great to share.

-- 
Kevin Shortt
ISC Handler on Duty