Magnetic Media Destruction Options

The amount of information stored on magnetic media is staggering. And while most companies have protocols in place for the document shredding, what to do with magnetic media is often unaddressed. This means that more often than not your business's sensitive data is simply thrown out in trash with no effort to erase it or destroy it.

There are many theories as to the best way to destroy data on magnetic media or optical media. Unfortunately most "home made" methods are ineffective and leave all or some of your data vulnerable to theft. This article will provide a basic overview of the techniques and equipment available for:

• Hard Drive Destruction
• Hard Drive Erasing
• Other Magnetic Media Erasing (Computer Backup Tapes, Floppy Disks etc)
• Peripheral (Cell Phones, PDA's, Printers, FAX Machines & Photo Copier) Destruction
• Laptop & CPU Destruction
• Optical Media Declassification
• Optical Media Destruction

While each device may have a specific purpose, many have multiple uses.

 

OPTION 1. - DEGAUSSING

Degaussing is the erasing of data from magnetic media such as hard drives, floppy disks,

 

computer tapes etc. While there several types of degaussers available, the most effective utilize Rare Earth Magnets to completely wipe away all traces of data. For most companies a commecial grade degausser like the SEM P2 or P2V will provide more than enough protection against data reconstruction. These units erase all data including the servo information rendering the media unusable and allowing for disposal via normal means.

The Federal Government and US Military use an even more power degausser. The ME-P3 E is approved for use by the National Security Agency. While this level of security may not be necessary for most business the ME P3 E is seeing more wide spread use in the commercial sector.

 

 

OPTION 2. - DISINTEGRATION

Disintegration is the mechanical destruction of bulk items. Rotating knives continually cut items smaller and smaller until they are unrecognizable and unreconstructable. What paper shredders do to paper, SEM Disintegrators do to all types of mixed media. Equipment is available in a variety of sizes from table top units for destroying CDs/DVDs to room size machines capable of destroying entire CPUs. The determining factors in selecting a device for your business are type of items to be destroyed and volume. 

 

 

A Hard Drive Before and After Disintegration.