Free Destruction of Computer Hard Drives Nov. 18

In observance of Cyber Security Awareness Month, the County of Maui will be holding a free, drive-through hard drive and backup tape destruction and disposal service in the lower parking lot behind the Kalana O Maui County building on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017.

The service will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, with access to the parking area under the County building from Kaohu Street (just below the intersection with High Street).

Residents are urged to remove the hard drive from any old computers, laptops, printers or other electronic devices and bring just the hard drive(s) to the event, where they can hand over their hard drives to members of the County’s Information Technology (IT) Services Division. IT staff will destroy the drives and make sure they are disposed of properly. Backup tapes will be thoroughly wiped of any information. An information table with cyber security materials also will be available at the event.

“This service is especially important because anyone can access your hard drive if you just throw it away,” said Jacob Verkerke, the County’s Chief Technology Officer. “Even if you delete important information like bank statements, account numbers and social security information, someone who knows what they are doing can always find a way to retrieve it if they have your hard drive- even on a cell phone.”

For additional computer security, computer users are reminded to always:

– Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone.

– Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.

– Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.

– Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.

– Be cautious about what you receive or read online:  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information about protecting yourself from cyber risks, visit www.mauicounty.gov/cybersecurity.