Erase and Destroy Data

Your Trusted IT Asset Management Partner

Erase and
Destroy Data

data destruction methods

There are 2 methods to securely remove data from IT devices. One method uses a software, the other uses physical destruction. Otherwise known as Secure Data Erasure and Data Destruction.

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Data Erasure

Data within a storage device is removed using a software-based method by overwriting them. Although we refer to it here as Data Erasure, it is also known as Data Sanitization, Data Wiping, and Data Clearing to name a few.

Data Sanitization

NIST 800-88

Based on security guidelines by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

This method aims to effectively Clear, Purge, and Destroy any and all data making them irretrievable.

Most Recommended Method
Disk is Safe to Reuse
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Mobile Devices
USB Drives
New and Developing Technologies
Benefits List is Non-Exhaustive

Military Grade Wiping

DoD 5220.22-M

First introduced by the Department of Defense (DoD). This method overwrites existing information on individual sectors of the hard disk. This prevents any data recovery using commercially available processes.

DoD 3 or 7-Pass Wipe implements:

Pass 1: Writes a '0' and verifies
Pass 2: Writes a '1' and verifies
Pass 3: Writes randomly & verifies
Repeat for 7-Pass Wipe

So why is it only 4.5 stars?

Has issues with SSD devices
Time consuming process

Basic Reformatting

Free or Paid Software

Formatting a disk creates a new and blank indexing scheme which makes every sector available to write new files. It does not erase the data on the disk. A specialist using free or paid tools could still recover most or all of the stored data.

Clears disk for new files
Time consuming process
Viruses could still remain
Data is recoverable
Non-compliant method
Long-term reputation risk
Long-term financial risk
High risk to data breach

Data Destruction

Known more commonly as physical destruction of hard disks, this method takes its terms literally. Data Destruction is achieved by mechanically altering a storage device or IT equipment's physical characteristics.

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Degaussing

Demagnetiser

This method removes data by rearranging the device's magnetic field. Not all degaussers can delete data permanently as it requires a stronger magnetic field than the disks' coercivity.

Rapid sanitization process
Audit compliant
Proven solution when done right
Secure method for brand reputation
Works with un-erasable disks
Reduces data breach risks
Hard disk cannot be reused
Does not work with SSDs
No value for the original hardware

Shredding/Disintegrating

Hard Disk Shredder

This method shreds the equipment into small pieces or disintegrates them into minuscule particles. Unless the disk is overwritten beforehand, data can still be recovered by determined experts using forensic recovery tools.

Audit compliant
Proven solution when done right
Reduces data breach risks
Works with any type of hard disk
Hard disk cannot be reused
Difficult to monitor or track
Not environmentally-friendly
No value for the original hardware

Burning or Melting

Incinerators

Not recommended. This effort is more dangerous and risky than it is beneficial.

Drilling or Crushing

Household Tools

Not recommended. This effort is more dangerous and risky than it is beneficial. Data is still easily recoverable.

Steps to how we work

Step 1: Audit and Inspection

Congratulations! You've determined to retire your unused IT assets. Once you've scheduled a meeting with one of our representatives, we will work closely with you on the following:

1
Logistics and Decommissioning
2
IT Asset Audit
3
Mobile Device Audit
4
Ascertaining Security Risks and Procedures

Step 2: Security Services

Once we've audited your IT assets, we can now move to the secure decommissioning process. That includes taking extra precautionary steps.

We have security procedures in place against threats that might harm your brand's reputation. We'll discuss this detail in private.

Step 3: Accreditation

We'll supply you with full audit reports and documentation. This includes tailored reports needed by your Head of Departments. Should your Finance or Compliance team need specific contracts, we've got that ready too.