SENSITIVE data can be leaked from companies through second-hand hard disks purchased from the internet. An Ernst & Young certified ethical hacker has been performing a series of experiments to find out what information could be recovered.
Matthew Parker was able to recover documents relating to accounts, salary and personal information about employees of a well known company.
Using recently updated forensic tools, he found one disk that had been used by a government department.
‘All of the disks were advertised as being wiped and clear of data,’ he said.
‘In some cases they cost me less than a couple of pounds.’
The experiment revealed evidence that organisations do not correctly monitor the disposal methods of used computer equipment.
‘This shows an alarming trend. Despite news stories showing the risks of identity theft or corporate espionage, some people do not dispose of used computer equipment appropriately,’ said Mr Parker.
‘The computer forensic tools we use at Ernst & Young can recover information from hard disks, data keys, memory cards, almost anything that holds electronic data, including mobile phones.
‘Everyone should be aware of the electronic trail they leave behind. Imagine if someone gained knowledge of your name, address and bank details, what damage they could do.’
Article posted on 4th January, 2008 - 12.00am
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