Permanent Data Erasure

Secure data erasure also commonly referred to as data clearing or data wiping, is a method of overwriting and completely destroying all electronic data on a disk drive or other digital media by using zeros and ones to overwrite data onto all sectors of the device. By overwriting the data on the storage device, the data is rendered unrecoverable and achieves data sanitization.

Permanent erasure goes beyond basic file deletion. Unlike degaussing and physical destruction, which leave the storage media unusable, data erasure removes all information while keeping the disk operable.

There are key differences between data erasure and other overwriting methods, which can leave data intact and raise the risk of data breach, identity theft or failure to achieve regulatory compliance. Many data eradication programs also provide multiple overwrites so that they support recognized government and industry standards.

Advantages to erasing your data:

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.