Got a new laptop or PC? Fantastic – especially if it’s kitted out better than your old one! But that ‘old’ one could be more valuable than you think. If it gets into the wrong hands, you could become a victim of identity crime. So, before you part company with your old computer, make sure you’ve copied all the data you want to keep and erased the hard disk, so that any personal information in it is deleted.

But remember, simply deleting files isn’t enough to permanently erase them. You need a special utility such as Evidence Eliminator, Kill Disk or Eraser that will erase all traces of the file.

Sounds too technical? Don’t worry, there are plenty of commercial companies around that can safely erase your hard drive! But make sure you choose a reputable one, displaying an industry kitemark such as the BSIA.

Confidential Data Shredding are one of a number of companies who offer a safe destruction service.