The Zombie of Your Thrown Away Computer May Destroy Your Life!

In this modern age of ever changing technology, if you buy a computer with all latest gadgets, within months much advanced systems will be available in the market and your computer may look old and obsolete to you. You may be tempted to throw it to get a brand new one in your effort to cope up with the latest.

Well, if you can afford, you can always do that. However, you may not be vigilant to eradicate all the data on your old computer before throwing it. It is a pleasure to handle a brand new computer with its advanced systems and gadgets, but what about the old one? Important information like passwords and login details may still be available to anyone who tries to restore it. That 'living dead' computer has the capability to threaten your entire life!

Many people are used to create a file containing all important passwords and they store it on their computer for ready reference. While accessing their e-mails, some people prefer their computer to remember the password. All these are bad habits as per computer etiquettes and you may suffer heavily because of them.

Wanted to know the consequences? If an identity thief gets his hands to such a computer, he will be able to take out all the strategic information out of it. Then he may request your credit card company to change the address on your card account. As the bills will be sent thereafter to a new address, you may not be aware of card transactions for some time. Taking advantage of that, the thief may use all your balance for making purchases and leave the account there. If you have stored your resume on your computer, he may get your social security number which is very important for many purposes. The thief can also open a new bank account in your name and misuse the checks or debit cards. He may also go ahead with many financial transactions like mortgages. Sometimes the thief may open the utility accounts in your name for fraudulent purposes. The thief may also go for an expensive surgery on the basis of your insurance policy and social security number and may get away without paying anything. The photo and address on your driver's license may be compromised. The thief may also give your name to the police during an arrest and later you may receive a warrant in your name! There are limitless ways available to the thief.

Before you throw away your computer, you must remove all your details from the hard disk. It is always desirable to format your computer before throwing away. Alternatively, you can clean all the files with the disk cleanup. There are applications like 'file shredder' or 'secure file deletion' available in the market. You can use any one of them. After taking all these precautions, you may donate it or recycle it. There are qualified recyclers available everywhere. You can hand over your computer to them.

Throwing away your computer without such precautions is a dangerous move which can prove fatal for your financial life. You should never do it. It is an environmental hazard also.