Sensitive data is all around us and at our fingertips every day. From computers to cell phones to printers, there are countless storage devices for data that most people don’t realize. Unfortunately, that means there are many avenues through which precious data can be stolen and misused. Luckily, there is a way to prevent data from falling into the wrong hands. Today, let’s explore common disposal methods, when they matter, and the best way to destroy a hard drive.
Common Hard Drive Disposal Methods (and Why They Fall Short)
In this era, technology is all around us. You likely couldn’t walk more than 10 feet in a home or office without being able to reach a device with a hard drive. Hard drives holding sensitive data can be in any of the following devices:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Cell phones
- Smartphones
- External hard drives
- Flash drives
- Smart watches
- Printers
- Copiers
- Servers
That doesn’t even include other physical media storage formats, such as CDs, DVDs, Zip disks, magnetic backup tapes, floppy disks, and similar devices.
Given the large amount of media storage present, it comes as no surprise that there are numerous ways to “dispose” of it as well. However, these methods are not created equal. Each of the following is considered by some to be a “disposal” method, but none are deemed credible under strict governing bodies.
1. File Deletion:
File deletion is the process of deleting files from a computer. However, deleting isn’t actually a permanent solution. In reality, your operating system simply removes the file’s “address” from the system’s table of contents. This information can be recovered at a later time.
2. Reformatting or Overwriting:
Reformatting a hard drive means preparing it for use by creating a file system, which tells the storage device how to store, locate, and manage data. This wipes the system clean and creates a fresh structure to work with. Overwriting (also known as “long formatting”) overwrites the existing data, making it much harder to recover. Overwriting is acceptable for devices that remain in-house for reuse; however, most governing bodies require verification of data erasure.
3. Software Wiping (Degaussing)
Software wiping (also known as degaussing) uses magnets to erase a media device’s magnetic fields, making the data unrecoverable. Unfortunately, this method doesn’t work with all media types, and the tools used to verify media destruction are expensive, making it an unpopular option for data that requires destruction verification.
When Hard Drive Destruction Is Required
While these methods may make data harder or nearly impossible to find, the problem lies in verification. For devices that remain in-house, whether used by a new employee or transferred to a new project, data erasure techniques like those above can be considered acceptable, especially if the company is willing to verify that these steps were taken.
However, there are times when hard drive destruction is required. Depending on the industry you are in and the governing bodies you are required to adhere to, hard drive destruction is often needed when:
- Devices reach end of life
- Equipment is being replaced or upgraded
- Hard drives fail or become unreadable
- Devices were used to store sensitive information like tax records, financial information, or customer or employee data
So, what is the best way to destroy a hard drive?
Best Way to Destroy a Hard Drive: Certified Physical Destruction
The best way to destroy a hard drive is with certified physical destruction. This process involves shredding or crushing the hard drive until it is mangled beyond repair. By doing this, it eliminates all risk of data loss and meets requirements set by governing bodies such as NIST, FACTA, HIPAA, and others.
However, to ensure it is done correctly, it is vital to use a certified shredding company.
How CI Information Management Can Help
At CI Information Management, we offer secure hard drive destruction services. CI Information Management is NAID AAA Certified, meaning we meet or exceed the highest industry standards for secure data destruction. Certification includes:
- Scheduled and surprise audits by independent professionals
- Strict hiring protocols and employee background checks
- GPS-tracked vehicles and secured containers
- Documented chain-of-custody procedures
After each disposal project, we provide our customers with a Certificate of Destruction, giving them documented proof for audits, compliance reports, and peace of mind.
Would you like to learn more about the best way to destroy a hard drive for your business? Complete our contact form today to see how we can help you achieve secure data destruction.
