As stated in Part 1, a storage device failure doesn’t always translate to data loss. Granted, the integrity of recovered data may be nothing to get excited about. However, it only takes a few bits of data to store a social security number, bank account number, or other personal information like home addresses and telephone numbers. An individual with the right abilities and software can “crack” failed storage devices and recover this sensitive and confidential information. To guard against this, there are several different methods for properly disposing of failed storage hardware and media.
First let’s look at the obvious methods for disposal of
storage media. If you walk in to any office supply store, there will inevitably be an isle filled with paper shredders. Many paper shredders boast of the ability to shred credit cards but some will even shred CDs and DVDs as well. If your business uses CDs and DVDs to store confidential or sensitive information, it would be wise to invest in a shredder that can handle the disposal of this type of storage media.
When a hard drive fails, the first step should always be a thorough “wiping” of the drive. There are many ways to do this but one of the most secure methods is overwriting. This is a method used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is explained in Department of Defense Standard 5220.22-M as follows, “Overwriting is a software procedure that replaces the data previously stored on magnetic storage media [for our purposes this means hard drive platters] with a predefined set of meaningless data.” The process is usually done a total of three times for efficiency. There are many software programs available that use this standard. Another wise investment.
Sometimes the sectors on a hard drive platter are so damaged that conventional overwrite methods are not possible. In this situation, a degausser can be used. A degausser is simply a machine that demagnetizes. Data is stored on hard drive platters by way of magnetizing sectors of the drive. The DoD standard referenced above explains degaussing as follows, “Degaussing (i.e., demagnetizing) is a procedure that reduces the magnetic flux to virtual zero by applying a reverse magnetizing field. Properly applied, degaussing renders any previously stored data on magnetic media unreadable and may be used in the sanitation process.” A degausser is usually a last resort but as you can see, there’s no turning back once you flip that switch! Given the delicate nature of flash memory chips, this is a great way to render these storage
devices unreadable as well. I have used degaussers many times over the course of my career and believe me they work.
Finally, in an attempt to be a “greener” global citizen, don’t forget that used electronics can (and should) be recycled. To find an electronics recycling location in your area, check RecyclingCenters.org.