Today, there are many reasons a company may want a hard drive or other data containment device destroyed, and even more ways to go about the task. In this article, we will look at three common data destruction methods i.e. degaussing, crushing, and erasing.
A company may require data and media destruction services for a variety of reasons such as getting rid of an old machine, destroying old or outdated files, or even to be in compliance with certain regulations regarding data destruction, such as HIPAA. Whatever the case, they rely on one or more of these data destruction methods to ensure that information is no longer recoverable from that data storage device.
Degaussing
Degaussing is one of the more technologically advanced methods of data destruction. It can be used on any data storage device which relies on magnets to write the data, such as hard drives, magnetic tape, and floppy disks. This process works by changing the magnetic alignment of small areas on the devices known as magnetic domains. By doing this, it leaves the domains scrambled with no discernible pattern. It makes the data stored upon the drive unreadable and irretrievable. You can re-use older forms of media such as floppy disks and VHS videocassettes after this process. This is because it is now possible to re-write new data over the old randomized data patterns. Newer media such as computer parts will suffer permanent damage and may never be operational again.
Crushing
Crushing is likely to be the most straight-forward form of data destruction. It involves the total and absolute destruction of the media storage device, either by shredding, crushing, or other method. The end result will be a hard drive or other data storage device that will never function again; therefore, securing the stored data forever.
Erasing
Finally, we have the method of hard drive erasing. People who have newer machines or simply don’t want to completely mangle the internal parts of their computer systems may opt for hard drive erasing, which permanently eradicates the data but will leave the media device functional. For this, there are programs and even machines that will write over any existing data with 0’s, burying the data and making it irretrievable. You must do it to totally erase a hard drive. Simply deleting the information is not enough. It must be deleted, and then overwritten to ensure that the data is inaccessible.
At Phiston Technologies, we understand the importance of data destruction whether it’s for compliance or personal reasons. Our systems and techniques can destroy or erase data to NSA-quality standards. If you would like to know more, we invite you to visit our website. Here you can find detailed information about our services. Additionally, you may contact us with any questions or comments.
