Hard Drive Degaussing
Degaussing is a demagnetising process to destroy data stored on hard drives and other magnetic media such as audio and backup tapes.
DEGAUSSING HARD DRIVES VS. REFORMATTING
Reformatting your hard drive rather than degaussing or destroying it, is not a secure method of data destruction. Even if it may appear to no longer contain data your device may still hold sensitive information which can be restored using simple software.
HOW DOES DEGUASSING WORK?
The data on the tape or hard drive is rendered unusable through magnetic waves exposing each drive or tape to 2 Tesla (20,000 Gauss) of erasing force for a minimum of 45 seconds.
The machinery Shred-X use meets requirements of the Australian Signals. Directorate and is also approved for use by the NSA (USA Government) and CESG (UK Government).
Degaussing can be used on a range of devices, including:
WHEN YOU CAN’T DEGAUSS, Destroy
Data stored on USBs and Solid State Drives (SSDs) cannot be erased through degaussing as these are not magnetic devices. To permanently delete information from these devices, you need to physically destroy them.
Data thieves have been known to target USBs and SSDs, so it’s important to dispose of them securely. If you have any old devices to be disposed of, our Digital Media Destruction service can take care of them for you. Always remember to check your IT asset end of life policy if you plan on destroying a company-owned device.
DEGAUSS AND DESTROY FOR COMPLETE SECURITY
Following the completion of the degaussing process, Shred-X is also able to provide physical destruction of your device. For further information read more about our Hard Drive Destruction solution.
Our data destruction solutions also include a serial number scanning and verification process and complete destruction reporting. Post destruction, whether by degaussing, destruction or both, Shred-X will provide a detailed Certificate of Destruction for your records.
related data Destruction solutions
Mobile Phone Destruction & Recycling
FAQS OF HARD DRIVE DEGAUSSING
How does degaussing a hard drive destroy it?
A hard drive stores data on its disk which spins via a spindle while the head writes data across the entire disk by producing ones and zeros which make up the data.
Hard drive degaussing uses magnetic waves to scramble the ones and zeros into an unrecognisable pattern, destroying or randomising the data making it near impossible to recover.
The most secure way to destroy all private business and personal data is to destroy the device itself. Employing both methods of degaussing and destruction ensures your device is unrecoverable.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DEGAUSS A HARD DRIVE?
Shred-X will pass your hard drive under magnets for a minimum of 45 seconds. With 20,000 Gauss or 2 Tesla of raw magnetism at our securely monitored facility, ensuring all existing data on the hard drive is destroyed.
CAN YOU USE A HARD DRIVE AFTER DEGAUSSING?
Without any recycling, a hard drive cannot be reused after degaussing. The magnetic process not only strips off any user data but also the boot-up data installed by its manufacturer. This means that the drive won’t respond to any computers or devices, rendering it unusable.
Degaussed hard drives are ‘prime candidates’ for e-Waste recycling. With the data unrecognisable, the valuable materials can be stripped out and repurposed. This not only secures your data from theft or corruption, but it reduces the risk of the drive harming the environment.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD DRIVE DEGAUSSING AND DESTRUCTION?
Hard drive destruction achieves the same result but involves breaking the hard drive (rather than wiping it). This usually involves shredding and breaking the device beyond recognition.
However, the smartest and safest solution to securing your data is to complete both processes, by degaussing the hard drive and physically destroying it, you not only protect you and your business but also prevent harmful toxins leaking into the environment.