CIOs and IT managers tend to focus on preserving data. But what happens when companies need to destroy data?
It’s easy to shred paper data, but destroying digital files may require more tools than a sledge hammer and a blowtorch.
For many companies, data removal or sanitizing is a bigger concern. Hard drives are expensive, and sometimes removing the data from a drive is a better choice.
Many people have asked me how they can erase data from their hard drive or USB device, so that they can sell or give the device to someone else.
Formatting the device won’t do the job, at least with the default settings. Erasing the file using the standard tools in the Windows and Mac operating systems usually leaves behind some or all of the files.
Mac OS has a “secure empty trash” command that will overwrite files, as described in these articles from MacGeekery and MacObserver.
Many companies sell data erasure software, including Active @ Killdisk and OnTrack.
Blancco provides enterprise tools to help companies destroy and remove digital data. This chart from DataErasure.com, a Blannco marketing web site, lists some Federal fines and penalties that are related to data privacy and disclosure.
This video from DataCenter.tv is a bit long, but it’s got some good information about Blancco’s business model.
Image provided by JcMaco under a Creative Commons license.
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