How to — and How to NOT — Destroy SSDs at End-of-Life

November 24, 2021 at 4:01 pm by Amanda Canale

Since the first days of chat message boards and social media profiles, we’ve all heard the saying, “don’t put all of your information online because it never truly goes away.” The same can be said for end-of-life data and information on solid state drives (SSDs): once information is on there, it’s next to impossible to fully remove. Aside from implementing a secure, in-house destruction plan, there are numerous methods we do not recommend using. Let’s break some of those down.

Degaussing

A major misconception when it comes to data destruction is that destruction methods for hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) are interchangeable. We hate to burst your bubble but…that’s false! Degaussing is simply not an option for the destruction of end-of-life data on SSDs. Solid state drives and optical media do not require it as part of the destruction process because they do not have an inner magnetic, rotational platter that can be scrambled like HDDs do.

However, crushing and/or shredding is recommended. Since SSDs can store vast amounts of information on such small chips, even tiny, intact fragments can hold a plethora of sensitive or private data. This means that every single SSD chip must be properly destroyed and done so in a machine specifically designed to destroy solid state media and produce particles small enough to ensure that no data can be retrieved. 

Recycling and/or Throwing Away

While we always support taking the greener route, trying to recycle your end-of-life drives cannot be done securely and is not recommended. Unfortunately, the majority of our waste and recycling ends up in landfills and dumpsters which are literal gold mines for hackers and thieves. 

In addition, it is often reported that on average, recyclables and waste sit on sorting floors for up to four weeks before finally being destroyed. To top it off, recycling and waste is hardly ever transported securely, making it easy for people to intercept and have access to your most sensitive information, putting yourself at even more risk of a possible breach.

Deleting and/or Overwriting

While methods such as cryptographic erasure and data erasure would allow the drive to be used again, it is not a secure and foolproof destruction. Information, whether encrypted or unencrypted, can still linger behind on the drive and be accessed, even if it has previously been deleted or overwritten. 

ITAD

ITADs, or information technology asset disposition companies, are third-party vendors that sanitize and destroy end-of-life data and drives. While the appeal of these types of companies can be quite attractive, we at SEM do not recommend utilizing these types of companies when disposing of your end-of-life data. While there are some reputable ITAD and data sanitization companies out there, the risk may not be worth the convenience. Security risks can be unpredictable and potentially catastrophic as it can be far too easy for ITAD vendors to misuse, mishandle, and misplace drives when in transportation, destruction, or disposal. It has also been reported that some vendors sell end-of-life devices and their sensitive information to online third parties.

Other (Un)Worthy Methods

  • Running over SSDs with your car
  • Roasting your SSDs over a fire
  • Giving your SSDs a swimming lesson
  • Physical destruction with a blunt object

By physically destroying SSDs with an appropriate shredder or disintegrator, companies are choosing the most secure method of data destruction as this is the only way to be certain that the end-of-life data has been properly destroyed. SEM SSD crushers are ideal for lower volume data center destruction of solid state media, while our shredders are recommended for higher volume destruction. SEM SSD disintegrators provide the most complete chip destruction and the highest level of security, destroying SSDs and chips to the NSA’s mandated 2mm final particle.

SEM Introduces Two Solid State Media Crushers for Commercial Data Center Market

April 13, 2021 at 8:15 am by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, is pleased to introduce two new shredder models: the SEM Model 0205NANO and the SEM Model 0205MICRO. These two unique devices are specifically designed for the destruction of solid state media, including small chips; the 0205NANO crushes the smallest of solid state media while the 0205MICRO is equipped to crush other larger solid state material.  Designed and manufactured at SEM’s Westborough, MA headquarters, both devices are TAA compliant and meet NIST 800-88 regulations.

“These are both exciting new additions to our line of destruction devices for data centers,” commented Nicholas Cakounes, SEM CTO. “The 0205 line fills what has been a very real industry need for solid state destruction devices designed specifically to destroy microchips.”

The Model 0205NANO is a mobile crusher designed to destroy the smallest forms of solid state media and microchips. The first of its kind, this revolutionary device destroys Compact Flash Type 1, SD Cards, SIM chips, SOIC-8, PLCC-32, SOIC-16, and TSOP48. Once the end-of-life data has been inserted into the device, it is crushed beyond recovery by the specially crafted and designed internal rotors, even the tiniest chips.

Similarly, the SEM Model 0205MICRO is constructed with custom-engineered solid steel rotors, an LCD touch screen interface, and portability. The 0205MICRO is a low volume, solid state crusher that crushes a wide array of various solid state media, including SSDs, thumb drives, flash and optical media, cell phones, and more.

“These revolutionary devices are the perfect additions to the commercial market, particularly data centers, when it comes to end-of-life data destruction,” said Ben Figueroa, SEM Strategic Account Manager. “The 0205NANO and 0205MICRO are two state-of-the-art, compact, clean, and portable devices that make them ideal for safeguarding sensitive information stored on microchips.”

For more information on the Model 0205NANO, visit https://www.semshred.com/product/model-0205nano/. For more information on the Model 0205MICRO, visit https://www.semshred.com/product/model-0205micro/.

 

Security Engineered Machinery Introduces Manual Crusher for Both HDDs and SSDs

July 30, 2019 at 12:22 pm by Heidi White

Model 0100 SSD/HDD quickly and easily destroys both rotational hard drives and solid state boards without electricity

SSD-crusher

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, is pleased to announce the introduction of the Model 0100 SSD/HDD manual solid state and rotational hard drive crusher. This new product provides an affordable, efficient solution for organizations with low volumes of hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) requiring physical destruction.

“The 0100 SSD/HDD was designed to be a portable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option for the efficient destruction of IT media,” said Andrew Kelleher, SEM President and CEO. “This unique device has a low profile, is quiet and clean, and operates by using a simple lever, making it a convenient, safe solution for smaller office environments.”

SEM’s Model 0100 SSD/HDD manual crusher easily destroys both rotational hard drives and solid state boards. The unit includes an SSD kit consisting of a wear plate and press plate for holding solid state boards during the crushing cycle. Manual operation makes crushing drives efficient and versatile, providing ultimate portability and ease of operation. SEM’s Model 0100 SSD/HDD exerts up to three tons of crushing force, and destruction time is five seconds or less. The heavy-duty steel anvil punctures and destroys the drive chassis and platters of HDDs as well as chips found on solid state boards. Quality, solid steel parts ensure smooth and consistent operation.

The 0100 SSD/HDD has a list price of $1,299 and is TAA compliant. An optional stand is available. For more information, click here.