Final answer:
High-profile cases of data privacy violations, such as the 2014 iCloud breach and the exposure of sensitive data on improperly cleansed hard drives, highlight the risks associated with discarded computer equipment. Laws like the Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017 offer definitions and guidelines for addressing data breaches, underscoring the need for careful data management and security measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the risks associated with discarded computer equipment, several high-profile cases highlight the importance of proper data cleansing. The iCloud data breach in August 2014, which involved celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Kirsten Dunst, is a prime example of how sensitive data can be compromised. Although this was a breach of an online service, it underlines the potential risks of data stored on physical devices.
In another context, hard drives and other digital storage devices that have not been properly cleansed before disposal have been known to contain sensitive personal data, leading to privacy violations and identity theft. Furthermore, data breaches are often the result of insufficient security measures, where even large entities like Target and JP Morgan have suffered massive data exposure incidents.
Users can take measures to protect their data, such as being familiar with privacy rights and reading privacy policies attentively. Laws like the Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017 provide definitions and frameworks for understanding and acting upon data breaches. Scrutiny and regulation of data privacy practices are essential, particularly as users frequently interact with platforms that require the handling of personal information.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats to data privacy, making it crucial for individuals and businesses to educate themselves about data security and to follow best practices for data cleansing, especially when disposing of or reselling computer equipment.