How to protect your data

Here are some tips on protecting your data

“Shred” sensitive data

Use a virtual file shredder such as eraser (http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/), instead of simply hitting the “delete” key to get rid of sensitive files. Shredders is available for free and help to permanently delete files so that they can’t be recovered.

“Wipe” your hard drive

If you are getting rid of an old computer, don’t just format it. Use a disk “wiping” application such as Boot and Nuke (http://dban.sourceforge.net/) to repeatedly overwrite your hard disk with random bits of data so that any of your own data becomes irrecoverable.

“Lock” your private files

To keep your private files from prying eyes, you can encrypt them using software like Cryptainer LE (http://www.cypher-ix.com/cryptainerle/). Files saved in special folders created by encryption software require a password to be accessed.