It's your last day at work and it's time to say goodbye to your colleagues and everything that has been familiar for many years. But before the tears start falling with the goodbyes, there's something important that you need to do before leaving, erasing all your personal data in your work computer. This is the wisest step to do to ensure that any personal files you might have won't be accessed by the next person or anyone who will use your computer at work. Here are some smart moves to do that.
Back Your Data Up
First things first, back your data before erasing your file. You can store it using a USB stick or any of the cloud storage applications, like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Just make sure that the cloud storage is yours and not the one you're using at work. Also, make sure that whatever you're saving is your personal files and not any confidential files from work. After that, check all the USB slots to ensure that you didn't leave any personal peripherals.
Shut Your Voicemail and Email Down
Delete all the messages in your voicemail inbox. After that, record a new outgoing message telling callers that you are not part of the company anymore. Inform them as well who the person to contact in your place.
Moreover, if you are using a desktop email client, wipe out everything in your inbox and log out. In most cases, you might have to delete your account when you log out. Make sure, however, that your company's policy allows you to do this before you execute this.
Wipe Your Computer and Your Phone Off
If you have no admin access to do this, just delete any sensitive information from your machine before turning it over. If, in case, you have access to do so, wipe it clean. If you are using a Mac, re-install the OS. On the other hand, you can use KillDisk or DBWipe if you are using a Microsoft Windows computer.
Moreover, if your company has provided you a mobile phone that you need to turn over as well, erase that as well by resetting it back to factory settings.
Delete all Saved Passwords
If you are using Chrome or any other browsers, chances are your passwords also have been saved. Log out and delete all data or password information from your browser so that no one will have access to it even when you are gone from the company.
