Data is a valuable currency. It teaches us about our customers, important trends, opportunities and threats. However, data is also a considerable liability. If trade secrets or confidential information falls into the wrong hands, it can have a devastating financial and reputational impact on your business.
We also know that data and media become obsolete over time, getting replaced with the ‘next best thing.’ Asset management is crucial not just with new technology but especially with old technology. We have clients all over the world who come to us and ask us what they should do with the backlog of drives they have. Your backlog is a liability.
It is the responsibility of every company that handles sensitive information to protect that data and properly dispose of the devices that contain it. This is why any drive that stores information has to be destroyed in a responsible and secure manner, rendering the data irretrievable. Protecting the company and the consumer from data breaches or leaks.
What Is Data Destruction?
Data destruction is different from data deletion. Data deletion removes the files stored on a physical device through the means of software. This often isn’t enough to render data completely irretrievable, which is why most businesses take the added precaution of physically destroying the media or device on which the data is stored through shredding, crushing, disintegrating, or degaussing.
However, it may surprise you to learn that even physically destroying or damaging certain drives may not be enough to render the data irretrievable. Like we always say: “a screwdriver is not a solution.” SSDs are much smaller than HDDs, and therefore it is more important to destroy the bits of data on an SSD drive down to the particle size. It is not enough to smash an SSD to guarantee that the data has been destroyed.
Degaussing, for example, scrambles magnetic fields present in certain drives. The keyword here being ‘certain’, not all drives are created equally. For HDDs that use magnetic storage, degaussing can be an effective way of destroying the data on the device (For hybrid drives like HAMR and MAMR, degaussing does not work). However, many devices use SSDs or solid-state drives that store information using flash memory chips. Degaussing doesn’t affect SSD, because it doesn’t use magnetic storage.
The National Security Agency (NSA) requires classified SSDs to be destroyed to a 2mm particle size. This means it is required to shred the SSD down to a 2mm particle size to prevent data from being recovered off of the device.
While the methodologies and requirements for SSD destruction vs. HDD destruction couldn’t be more different, more than a third of businesses don’t use different methods to destroy their SSDs versus their HDDs.
The Risk of Not Destroying Data Properly
The risk of not properly destroying drives in enterprise environments cannot be overstated. Many global enterprises are failing to implement appropriate data removal methods, leading to significant security vulnerabilities and compliance risks. Just to the start of 2024 alone there have been over 658 incidents with close to a billion records being breached (ITGovernanceUSA). The consequences of inadequate data disposal practices threaten not only businesses across the nation but the customers those businesses represent as well.
A study revealed alarming statistics regarding the handling of end-of-life devices in organizations. A staggering 80% of U.S. and Canadian respondents reported that their end-of-life devices were simply stockpiled in storage without proper disposal. This accumulation amounts to approximately 400,000 devices or an average of 272 per company. Even more concerning is that 57% of respondents admitted to taking longer than two weeks to erase these devices, and around 18% of devices were left untouched within the company.
Aside from the sheer volume of unused hardware, the financial burden of storing such devices is substantial, with two in five enterprise organizations spending more than $100,000 annually on storage costs alone. These practices not only pose significant internal data breach risks but also raise compliance concerns, particularly with regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
The GDPR mandates strict data protection principles for EU organizations, while the CCPA, although a state law, has become a de facto national standard in the United States. Both regulations emphasize the importance of secure data handling and grant consumers increased control over their personal information. Violations of these regulations can result in significant fines and damages, highlighting the financial and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.
As consumers become more aware of their data privacy rights and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the need for secure data disposal methods becomes paramount. Traditional methods of wiping hard drives, such as formatting or using software-based solutions, may leave traces of sensitive information vulnerable to recovery.
Failure to destroy devices securely not only exposes enterprises to financial and legal liabilities but also undermines consumer trust and confidence in data protection measures.
How To Securely Destroy SSDs
As we’ve already explained, while methods like degaussing are effective for magnetic media, they’re not going to work with solid-state drives (SSDs), necessitating the use of physical obliteration methods. And due to the more compact nature of SSDs they require a more sophisticated technology to ensure the drive is shredded to 2mm x 2mm particle size.
SSD destroyers offer unparalleled speed and efficiency in rendering data irrecoverable. Unlike software-based solutions that may take hours to overwrite data, SSD destroyers can accomplish the task in a matter of seconds. This rapid operation is crucial in corporate settings and data centers where time is of the essence.
The level of security provided by SSD destroyers is completely unmatched. Unlike software-based methods that may leave remnants of data vulnerable to recovery, SSD destroyers physically damage the storage medium, making any attempt at data recovery practically impossible. This ensures that confidential data remains secure, mitigating the risk of breaches and leaks.
Another advantage is the versatility of SSD destroyers, which can accommodate various types and sizes of storage media, including standard and enterprise SSDs, cell phones, circuit boards, and optical media. This adaptability streamlines the data disposal process, eliminating the need for multiple tools for different types of media.
SSD destroyers are also more environmentally friendly compared to methods involving chemical processes or harmful by-products. Operating using mechanical means, these devices contribute to a more sustainable approach to data disposal and are often designed with recyclability in mind. Some destroyers – like the MediaDice A2 by Phiston – offer zero-landfill solutions.
Cost-effectiveness is also a significant benefit of SSD destroyers. While the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term savings outweigh the potential costs of data breaches or leaks resulting from inadequate data disposal practices. Many devices have user-friendly interfaces that require minimal training for personnel to operate effectively. This simplicity ensures seamless integration into existing workflows without disrupting daily operations; enhancing your data security without adding to your workloads.
SSD destroyers also mitigate internal risks by preventing employees from inadvertently or intentionally accessing sensitive data on decommissioned hardware. Allowing you to fulfill SLA requirements by shredding on-site when you need to. You don’t have to wait for a truck to come pick up your valuable assets. You can shred direct with your own equipment.
Final Thoughts
SSD destroyers help organizations stay compliant with data protection laws by ensuring data is disposed of securely. The documentation and certification processes associated with SSD destroyers provide a clear audit trail, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance.
While SSD destroyers have many advantages, in order to enjoy the benefits, they should be part of a comprehensive data management strategy that includes access controls, encryption, and regular data backups.
From speed and security to cost-effectiveness and environmental considerations, these devices offer a truly comprehensive solution to the critical issue of data disposal. As organizations continue to prioritize data security and compliance, the role of SSD destroyers in safeguarding sensitive information will become increasingly prominent.
