Disk Sanitization The CVM Computer Group is offering a disk sanitizing program to our users. We need your cooperation in properly handling surplus computers and computers transferred from one person to another. A recent report from internal auditing states that "un-sanitized surplus hard drives pose a high risk to the University". Important information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, etc. could be going off campus when computers are surplused. Also, computers could be leaving the campus with software that is licensed to Auburn University, and is not legal for use elsewhere. The A.U. administration has mandated that this problem be resolved. The distributed I.T. managers have recommended that this be handled by a central A.U. facility, but that has not been done so far. Until this is resolved campus-wide, we at the CVM are going to have to take care of it ourselves. Simply erasing a file isn't enough. When you delete or erase a file, in most cases you are only removing the pointer to that file (analogous to removing the tab on a file folder, but leaving the folder in the cabinet). Even reformatting a drive does not actually erase the data; it is analogous to removing the tabs on all your folders, but again leaving the folders in the cabinet. A knowledgeable person could easily undelete the files--acquiring such information as credit card numbers, social security numbers, research data, etc. This could easily lead to things such as identity theft. There are special programs available that write ones and zeros to disks multiple times to insure files are very difficult to recover. Please do a the following to help insure that disks are sanitized before transferring or surplusing computers: 1. Backup any data that you want to keep. 2. Remove any bios passwords. (Contact us if you need help with this). 3. Try to locate the original OS (operating system) installation disks or proof of ownership. 4. Notify Computer Group when system is ready to be sanitized by completing work order requesting disk sanitization at: http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/help You should go through this process even if you are just transferring a computer from one person (such as an administrator) to another (such as a student). We will sanitize the machine, reinstall the operating system and network software, and return it to you for transfer. Please include on the work order the final destination of computer - will it be surplused or transferred to another user. Other disks such as floppies, zip disks, and cds should be physically destroyed before disposal.