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Destroy Your Data
At a time when we hear almost daily warnings about computer viruses, worms, phishing and hackers, it may surprise you to learn that one of the most common forms of computer attack doesn't even happen on a computer. It happens in a trash can. Criminals literally search through the trash at landfills looking for information. This so-called “dumpster diving” is one of the major sources of the personal information that enables criminals to steal your identity.
Many people simply throw away bills, bank statements, medical information and other documents that contain account numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers and other key personal information. Armed with this information, criminals can easily pretend to be you.
Paper documents that contain personal information such as Social Security numbers, grades, health-related information or financial information must not only be discarded; they must be destroyed. Experts recommend that these documents be burned or shredded prior to disposal.
Generally, there are two types of small shredders: strip-cut and cross-cut. Of these two, cross-cut does a better job of destroying the information. A reliable cross-cut home shredder can be purchased for as little as $40, a true bargain when you consider the cost of trying to recover your good name and credit rating.
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