[OPLINLIST] Disposal of Computers

[Chad Neeper]

While it's true that physically destroying the hard drives guarantees all
but the absolute most determined individuals* won't recover data from your
drives, I typically don't advocate that, myself. Tools like the
freely-available and easy-to-use dban (Darik's Boot and Nuke ...
http://www.dban.org) can easily erase the hard drives to government
standards and beyond. That should be more than sufficient for our "top
secret" uber-sensitive library data. It also helps to reduce waste, since
the drives can then be re-purposed by someone that acquires the drive.


* I remember reading quite a few years ago...and I've long-since lost the
reference...about some scientists that physically destroyed a hard drive
platter and then painstakingly recovered readable data from a tiny sample
portion of one of the the undamaged parts of the drive, proving that it
could be done. The process is beyond complex, beyond difficult, beyond
expensive, and well-beyond the means of your average well-funded
state-sponsored individuals. I'd bet money that the NSA wouldn't even
attempt it for a single ultra-high-value target.

2 cents,
Chad

______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*


On Wed, Oct 2, 2013 at 4:03 PM, Lebanon Public Library Information Desk <
lebanon at oplin.org> wrote:

> Be sure you destroy the hard drives of any de-accessioned computers –
> there are ways of getting information off old hard drives, no matter how
> much you think you may have wiped them.****
>
> ** **
>
> Dylan Posa****
>
> Information Desk Supervisor****
>
> Lebanon Public Library****
>
> 101 S. Broadway****
>
> Lebanon OH 45036****
>
> 513.932.BOOK (2665)****
>
> ** **
>
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org [mailto:
> oplinlist-bounces at lists.oplin.org] *On Behalf Of *Susan Pieper
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 02, 2013 3:15 PM
> *To:* oplinlist at lists.oplin.org
> *Subject:* [OPLINLIST] Disposal of Computers****
>
> ** **
>
> Hello all:****
>
> We have a regular schedule for computer upgrades, maintenance, etc. but we
> failed to write or determine a disposal policy. In the past, with our old
> hardware we have recycled. Now we are starting to replace XPs and wondering
> if these would be of interest to patrons? Put in book sale? Offer to staff?
> ****
>
>  ****
>
> I am interested in reading any of your computer disposal plans. Especially
> for rural libraries.****
>
> Thanks!****
>
> Susan
> ****
>
> *********************************
>
> Susan Hill Pieper, M.S.L.S.****
>
> Director
> Paulding County Carnegie Library
> 205 S Main St, Paulding, Ohio 45879
> 419-399-2032 voice 419-399-2114 fax
> www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
> **********************************
>
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