In theory the information would be un-retrievable.
To be honest if someone wanted your information it would be a lot easier to
retrieve it from the server, even if you have an encryption suite on your
email manager. This would still be out with most people's ability.
If you put it into practical terms we do everything in our power to ensure
confidentiality but if someone wanted to break into your office and steal
your PC or files the reality is that it can be done.
I would accept that short of destroying the drive completely, formatting the
disk would be a safe practical solution.
Regards
Craig Graham RGN, B.Sc., SpOHN
Occupational Health Advisor
Tel: 01698 503111
Mob: 07734 604596
-----Original Message-----
From: Rosie Busfield [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 7:12 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Computers/Confidentiality
Hi everyone
We have recently had our computer updated at work. Most of the data is on
the server but there was some emails on the hard disk of a fairly sensitive
nature which were confidential. It is common practice to reformat the hard
disk and then give the computer out for further use. My concern is whether
reformatting is sufficient to prevent information being retrieved from the
disk by a hacker or very experienced person in IT. The advice from the PCT
and the RCN is that reformatting is sufficient but the RCN suggested getting
them to sign a form saying that this had been done and that it was
impossible to retrieve info from the disk.
I wondered if there was anything in writing to support the above so that in
the unlikely event of confidential material being retrieved, I would have
some justification for my actions. How does everyone else dispose safely of
their computers in this sort of situation? I have read the RCN booklet
"Confidentiality - a guidance for occupational health nurses" but there is
nothing to cover this aspect.
Thank you in anticipation
Rosie Busfield
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