We're always reminded to back-up sensitive data, but not much is mentioned about how to destroy backups when they're no longer needed. If you're saving old tax records, banking information, et cetera on a CD or DVD, you shouldn't just toss the old disc in the recycle bin when you're finished. You could try to crack it, but that's likely to send shards of broken plastic flying all over the room (I know this from experience). Scratching the surface of the plastic doesn't ensure that the information is properly destroyed, either.

That's why the CD Punch sounds like a really good idea. Available for import from the U.K. (where they must take security more seriously than we do), the CD Punch is only about $6 and is worth every pence... penny. This heavy-duty gizmo's name is self-explanatory: It simply punches holes in a disc, making it impossible for the disc to be read. Just be sure to punch each disc several times, since unfortunately, you can't punch the would-be thieves.

Post by Peter Suciu