Computer security: Snapshots of our secret lives

[Noreen]

This is interesting

Your hard drive is watching you: it's the spy in the machine. It records all you do online - where you go, what you look at, what you read and write. And that data can live on even if you think you've wiped it away. Like a traitor, your hard drive could reveal far more about you than you ever wanted it to............

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/aug/14/security.computerforensics

[Simon]

I think the hammer and screwdriver (left-handed) method is the only secure way to wipe a drive. 

[Gary]

I think the hammer and screwdriver (left-handed) method is the only secure way to wipe a drive. 

And more fun 

[Inactive]

I think the hammer and screwdriver (left-handed) method is the only secure way to wipe a drive. 

Indeed Simon... 

[Rik]

It's certainly my preferred method. In the past, when I retired a machine, I'd try and find a home for it, but the only way I would do that now is if I fitted a new HD.

[somanyholes]

sulfuric acid kills it nicely. If you have some lying around 

[Rik]

Sadly, no, So. Would citric work?

[Gary]

Sadly, no, So. Would citric work?

I wonder if prolonged contact with a well know Cola drink would work?

[Rik]

It should do. I suppose soaking in a bucket of hot water for a few days would be quite effective.

[Inactive]

Blow lamp....

[Rik]

That too.

[Gary]

That too.

They really should have some kind of contained acid thing in government laptops for safety so if its lost they can activate it and destroy the drive, since its doubtful they will get the things back.

[Rik]

That's way too sensible, Gary.

[Inactive]

They really should have some kind of contained acid thing in government laptops for safety so if its lost they can activate it and destroy the drive, since its doubtful they will get the things back.

Far too simple Gary...

[Gary]

That's way too sensible, Gary.

True, they should therefore have no passwords on them or encryption and be easy to use for children they lose enough to enter into that one laptop for every child campaign anyway

[Rik]

I thought they already were? 

[Gary]

I thought they already were?