When it comes to disposing of or repurposing an old computer or external drive, it is not enough to drag files to the recycle bin and click “delete”. You need to take additional precautions to fully remove sensitive information like passwords, personal documents, and financial records. Certain tools can still recover this sensitive information if proper safeguards are not taken to secure it. So, how do you make sure all data is erased from your hard drive? This is where the services of a NAID-certified data destruction company come in handy. Their adherence to strict industry standards for secure data disposal gives you guaranteed security. Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your information secure.
How Do You Make Sure All Data Is Erased from Your Hard Drive?
Understand What “Delete” Really Means
Deleting a set of data does not make the data disappear from your hard drive. It simply means that the space it occupied is now marked “available” for new data. This space needs to be overwritten, and until this happens, your deleted data can still be recovered with the help of widely available software.
For this reason, simply deleting your data or reformatting your hard drive is insufficient if you do not want sensitive information to fall into the hands of bad actors.
Choose a Secure Data Wiping Method
When it comes to erasing data, there are several secure methods to choose from. The choice you make will depend on how secure you want the process to be and the type of drive you are erasing.
Use Data Wiping Software (for HDDs)
Data-wiping software is effective for the traditional spinning hard disc drives. They overwrite the drive with random data several times up to the point when recovery is no longer possible.
- DBAN: Free and effective
- Eraser (for Windows): Allows selective wiping
- CCleaner: Has a built-in Drive Wiper tool
The Department of Defense’s standard for data destruction is to overwrite data at least three times on older drives and once on modern ones. Look for tools that enable you to adhere to these standards.
Use Built-in Tools (Windows and macOS)
Windows and macOS have built-in utilities that securely erase data.
Windows 10/11
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC
- Choose “Remove everything” and then “Remove files and clean the drive.”
macOS (for Macs with HDDs or older SSDs)
- In Settings, go to Privacy & Security > FileVault (to scramble information on your hard drive)
- Go to Disk Utility and erase your hard drive
Erase SSDs with Manufacturer’s Tools
Because standard overwriting may not remove all traces of your private information, you may opt to use the drive manufacturer’s secure eraser tool:
- Samsung Magician Tool
- Intel SSD Toolbox
- Crucial Storage Executive
- SanDisk SSD Dashboard
These tools reset the SSD to its factory state, ensuring that data cannot be recovered.
Physically Destroy the Drive (If Needed)
If the data is highly sensitive – or if you are especially cautious, destroying the hard drive may give you more peace of mind. This is a practice typically employed by businesses or government agencies.
You can do so by:
- Drilling holes through the drive
- Smashing the drive with a hammer
- Using professional equipment to shred the drive
- Scrambling the magnetic data with the use of a degausser (works on HDDs, not SDDs)
Double-Check Using Verification Tools
After wiping your files, verify that they can no longer be recovered by using file recovery software.
Ensure Your Data Does Not Fall Into the Wrong Hands
In this digital world, data security is of utmost importance not only for individuals but also for businesses. Ensuring that data is completely erased before disposing of a hard drive is more important than ever. Using the right tools and getting the right help can help ensure that precious and sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. For information you want to keep secure, hard drive destruction is the most effective solution.
Taking the time to erase data can save you a lot of money and trouble later. If you believe your data warrants professional erasure, contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.
