In a study by a forensics company in NY, 40% of the drives bought from Ebay still held personal or company data, including financial information and downloads from someone with a foot fetish. This is right on track with previous research that I've seen on the issue. It's that whole security mindset problem again.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=security&articleId=9127717&taxonomyId=17&intsrc=kc_top

Hiya Jason,

I am surprised its only 40% to be honest.
I have only bought 2 drives that were 2nd hand, both external USB HDs, and both had only had a high level wipe, and full partition recovery was possible.

I have not read the links, so not sure if you are saying they just hadnt been deleted, or no appropriate data destruction had taken place.

It all comes back to awareness and education.