Secure data destruction

In the case of scrapped or decommissioned components, it is important to reliably destroy the data. Multiple overwriting of the data carrier is a suitable and reliable method.

Data on intact hard disks can be completely and unrecoverably erased by overwriting using special software. The data are overwritten once or several times with specified characters or random numbers, which is sufficient in most cases.

Windows now overwrites a partition completely with zeros during "slow" formatting. In the case of old hard disks (< 80 GB), the data should be overwritten 7 times. Modern hard disks allow the use of the command ATA-"Enhanced Security Erase". Here, a vendor-specific routine is initiated in the hard disk that should erase the entire hard disk, including defective memory areas. This method of erasure is recommended with SSD or SSHD. The command should be combined with the overwriting procedure mentioned above. The data carriers can still be used after overwriting.

Both freeware and commercial products are available on the market that perform the overwriting methods mentioned. Most of these tools offer different overwriting methods. We recommend the use of programs to overwrite the hard disk that can be started from a bootable medium (e.g. CD, USB flash drive) and overwrite the entire hard disk.

Physical destruction

If you don't wish to overwrite a hard disk or cannot do so due to a defect, you should physically damage or destroy the hard disk.