A study conducted by Kessler International, a world leader specializing in computer forensics, determined that over 40% of the hard drives listed for sale on eBay still contain personal, private, and sensitive information otherwise thought to be erased.

Over the course of one month, Kessler International purchased a large number of hard drives from random sources on eBay, on three separate occasions. The computer forensic engineers at Kessler were able to retrieve information from over 40% of the hard drives.

The combined data consisted of:

Personal & Confidential Documents, including financial information (36%)
E-mails (21%)
Pictures (13%)
Corporate Documents (11%)
Internet Browsing Histories (11%)
DNS server information (4%)
Miscellaneous Data (4%).

For over 20 years, Kessler International has been the world leader specializing in international corporate investigations, forensic accounting, brand protection and computer forensics. Established in 1988, Kessler International's satisfied clients are comprised of an extensive and distinguished list of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and prestigious law firms worldwide. Its diverse staff includes former prosecutors, former law enforcement agents, attorneys, certified forensic accountants, certified fraud examiners, certified forensic computer examiners, CPAs, certified internal controls auditors, licensed investigators and researchers.

For more information on forensic accounting, computer forensics, and investment fraud, visit Kessler International’s website at www.investigation.com or call (212) 286-9100.