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Once you have connected the external drive to the laptop you want to wipe, you can check that it is big enough to store all the data you need. If everything is stored on one drive (usually the C: drive in Windows, right-click on the drive icon to see how much data is taking up space there. You will need to figure out how much storage you need. The most complete and quickest way, however, is to back up to an external hard drive that's directly connected to the laptop.
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If you are backing up files selectively, or there aren't many of them and you have a fairly good internet connection, then backing up to the cloud is an option. There are a few ways of doing this and the most practical for you will depend on how much data you need to copy. This is why it’s always important to wipe your laptop before you let go of it for good – and no, we’re not just talking about wiping the screen with a cloth. For instance, you might be selling your old device, or returning it to your company’s IT team, who in turn will give it to a new joiner. However, this kind of personal data can also be obtained by strangers without having to steal it. Given all these threats, no one wants their laptop stolen. This could pose a real risk of not only financial theft, but also identity theft, with criminals potentially using your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. If the laptop was taken while it was unlocked and you allow your browser to remember login details, the criminals can also easily gain access to your banking account or any social media platforms. Filing a police report and having to spend a few hundred pounds on a new device are often only the tip of the iceberg, especially if the stolen laptop contains sensitive information such as phone numbers, addresses, and credit card details. In fact, these popular devices are a minefield of information about their owner, and can oftentimes be used against them.Īnyone who has ever had their laptop stolen can understand the immense trouble that follows.
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Laptops can reveal a lot about a person, and we’re not only referring to how well they are maintained.