3 Steps to Destroying Hard Drives

by Patty Caradonna

 

Businesses need to dispose of hard drives at some point. This requires business owners to prioritize compliance issues and data security upon destruction of devices. The days are gone when users can simply delete files from a computer or format a hard drive. Here are three ways businesses can destroy hard drives the correct way.

Data-Wiping Software

Before physically destroying hard drives, wiping the drive with certified data-erasing software is necessary. Certain easily accessible tools exist for businesses to overwrite data, rendering it unrecoverable. Software services such as DBAN and Nuke meet industry standards for data destruction, ensuring important files cannot be retrieved. However, it’s important to know that data destruction tools are not foolproof.

Use Certified e-Waste Disposal Professionals

E-waste disposal companies are available to help businesses destroy physical digital information. These companies provide proper destruction of hard drives and dispose of materials in environmentally friendly ways. Professional companies provide certificates of destruction that show the company’s data has been securely destroyed. This certification helps provide legal proof if it is needed.

Magnetic Degaussing

Degaussing is another way to get rid of hard drive information. Degaussing destroys information using magnets but leaves the drive intact. This should be used only for companies needing to quickly delete large volumes of out-of-date drives no longer in use, typically taking up space.

Many ways exist to destroy out-of-use hard drives. Business owners should consider the best option available, and call a professional if ever unsure.

Patty Caradonna is co-owner with husband Joe of PROSHRED Arizona located in Tempe, Arizona. PROSHRED Arizona are experts in document shredding and hard drive destruction for local businesses in the Greater Phoenix area.

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