Secure Data Erasure

Overwriting and completely destroying all electronic data on a disk drive.

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Erasing Data Securely

Often termed as data clearing or data wiping, this process involves thoroughly overwriting and obliterating all electronic data stored on a disk drive or any other digital media. Utilizing zeros and ones, the method ensures every sector of the device is overwritten, rendering the data irretrievable and achieving data sanitization.

Distinguishing itself from mere file deletion, permanent erasure surpasses techniques like degaussing and physical destruction, which render storage media unusable. Instead, data erasure completely eliminates all information while maintaining the disk’s functionality.

It’s crucial to note the disparities between data erasure and alternative overwriting methods, as some methods may inadvertently leave data intact, posing risks such as data breaches, identity theft, or non-compliance with regulations. Many data erasure programs offer multiple overwrites to align with recognized government and industry standards, enhancing security and regulatory compliance.

Erasing Data From Tape Media

Depending on the level of data sanitization required, data erasure on tape media can be used if you want to re-use your tapes within your own organization or for second-hand re-sale. Data erasure also ideal for leased equipment and charity donations. In this case, the tape media would undergo a front to back erasure process, wiping all existing data and preparing them for re-use.

In cases where data tapes are not required for reuse or resale, we can add an additional layer of security, by degaussing the tape media.  Degaussing involves re-aligning the magnetic polarities of the media to forensically wipe data. This prevents the tapes from being read or reused in the future.

In the case of cartridge reuse, erasing the tape is just the first step. Removing and replacing the bar code label, changing the VolSer number inside the CM chip, and writing a custom VolSer label to the tape maybe required.

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Advantages

One of the major advantages data erasure is the preserving of assets and the environment. Data erasure offers an alternative to physical destruction and degaussing for secure removal of all the disk data. Physical destruction and degaussing destroy the digital media, requiring disposal and contributing to electronic waste. Hard drives are nearly 100% recyclable and can be collected at no charge from a variety of hard drive recyclers after they have been sanitized.

Disadvantages

Unfortunately, complete data eradication doesn’t work on flash-based media, such as Solid-State Drives (SSD) and USB Flash Drives. Data erasure through overwriting only works on hard drives that are functioning and writing to all sectors. Bad sectors cannot usually be overwritten, but may contain recoverable information.