As the need to recycle and dispose of obsolete computer equipment grows in importance, the issue of data security becomes more prevalent.
The matter of what to do about data stored on hard-drives is often overlooked.
When preparing equipment for recycling you might have deleted files through ordinary means, like deleting or formatting, but this data can still be recovered.
That is why Victory Computer Service offers a Secure Data destruction and hard-drive wiping service.
This is a key part of our business and should be part of any companies Disposal Management plan.
In Houston, TX we offer free pickup service of 2 or more Hard drives.
If your outside of Houston, feel free to send them to us Properly packaged to avoid damage via UPS or Fed EX.
(Remember to require a signature for your protection)
Secure Data Destruction Service for only $75.00
U.S.: DoD 5220.22-M (Department of Defense) Level Data destruction:
The software that Victory Computer Service currently utilizes for this service follows the guidelines set forth by the Department of Defense. This method is utilized on viable, working units that are suitable for resale or donation. This approved method totally removes data through a series of procedures that does not harm hard drives.
Secure Drive Destruction Service for only $150.00
Electro Magnetic Wipe + Drive destruction:
This method uses high-powered magnetic fields that will scrub the existing data off the surface of the hard drive, leaving it useless. We follow this with physical destruction of the internal platters. These drives cannot be returned to you, but you will be supplied with a certificate of destruction for each drive serial number submitted for this method.
*The most secure method of data destruction. (D.O.D. Approved)
Shipping Address:
Victory Computer Service
4 killarney Ct
Houston, TX 77074
Phone: 713-576-6305
Fax: 708-843-7611
STATISTICS
Identity theft statistics are collected from police reports, although a large percentage of cases are still not reported to law enforcement agencies, so exact numbers impossible to determine.
Up to 700,000 people in the United States may be victimized by identity bandits each year, according to the Justice Department *. Recent reports now talk about 10,000,000 victims.
The Secret Service estimates that in 1997 consumers lost more than $745 million due to identity theft. These days it is probably in the billions. A recent report on identity theft warned that there is likely to be "mass victimization" of consumers within the next two years. The report said consumers should be extra careful to monitor all their financial transactions for unexplained account activity, especially withdrawals, or fund transfers.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. The average victim spends 175 hours and $1000.00 repairing the damage.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that identity theft is its number one source of consumer complaints. 42 percent of all complaints received in 2001 dealt with identity theft.
"Every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree." **
A study by Gartner Group reveals that 1 in 50 consumers have suffered identity theft. The survey also indicates consumers are so concerned about the problem that they are calling for changes in the way electronic transactions are performed.
According to the FTC's figures, ID theft is the most popular form of consumer fraud, in part because it is the most profitable. ID thieves stole nearly $100 million from financial institutions last year, averaging $6,767 per victim.
* Press release - 2002 Federal Trade Commission Study
** CBSnews.com, 1/25/2001