How to Destroy Data on Hard Drive to Make Data Be Unrecoverable?

PAGE CONTENT:

Are you getting a new computer or getting rid of an old hard drive? Don't throw it away yet - keeping your info safe is more important than ever! Think of your hard drive as a treasure box with private and sensitive data. Secure data destruction requires more than erasing files or changing their format; you must master digital forensics.

We will keep your secrets safe by exploring this article's exciting world of data erasure. We know how to ensure your data is so erased that no one can return it. It includes using software tools to break into virtual safes and destroy real ones.

The Deleted and Formatted Data Is Not Gone Forever

A common misconception is that merely removing files or formatting a hard disk will ensure that data is removed permanently. However, this is not the case whatsoever. The operating system will indicate the space as accessible for new data when you remove a file; however, doing so will not eliminate the information in the file. These "deleted" files can be recovered with the help of specialized software. It is necessary to overwrite the information on the hard drive to delete data completely.

Popular Data Overwriting Methods

Methods for Destroying Data on A Hard Drive

Method 1. Data Destruction Software

Some software solutions are available, each providing user-friendly interfaces and various overwrite methods to simplify data deletion. Donemax Data Eraser, DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke), Eraser, and KillDisk are among the most popular choices. These programs frequently enable users to generate bootable USB devices or CDs for offline data destruction. It enhances security by allowing users to circumvent the operating system that is currently installed.

For example, both Windows users and Mac users can use Donemax Data Eraser to destroy data stored on a hard drive and make data recovery be impossible.

With Donemax Data Eraser, anyone can wipe a hard drive and make data be unrecoverable:

Step 1. Open Donemax Data Eraser, then choose Erase Hard Drive.

Step 2. Select the hard drive and click on Erase Now button to permanently erase all data stored on the hard drive, beyond the scope of data recovery.

Method 2. Encryption and Secure Deletion

Encrypting the data on your hard disk is an effective preventative strategy that should be considered before ever considering the possibility of physical destruction. Tools that encrypt the entire disk, such as BitLocker for Windows or FileVault for macOS, ensure that even if an unauthorized person has physical access to the drive, In the absence of the encryption key, no one can decipher the information.

The deletion of individual files can be accomplished securely by utilizing secure deletion applications such as Donemax Data Eraser, BleachBit or CCleaner. With the help of these tools, the file is overwritten with random data, making it extremely difficult or practically impossible to restore.

Method 3. Physical Destruction

The physical destruction of the hard disk is a completely foolproof procedure for individuals who emphasize absolute assurance. It entails rendering the drive unworkable to guarantee that no data recovery strategies may be utilized. The following are some methods of creating physical destruction:

a. Shredding:

To render the hard drive irreparable, the process of Shredding entails the utilization of specialized equipment to shred the hard drive into little fragments physically. This procedure is quite prevalent when it comes to professional data destruction services.

b. Drilling:

Drilling holes through the platters of the hard disk is yet another way that functions effectively. It causes the platters to become damaged, which makes it extremely difficult to recover the data. On the other hand, it is necessary to drill through each platter to guarantee total devastation.

c. Degaussing:

When degaussing, a powerful magnetic field is used to destroy the magnetic domains on the hard drive, ultimately erasing the data. Although it is an excellent solution, this technique is more frequently utilized for storing magnetic tapes than for current hard drives.

Conclusion:

To sum up, making sure that data on a hard drive is deleted permanently takes several steps. Using software-based methods, encryption, and physical destruction is the best way to keep private information safe. Your needs and security needs will determine which way is best for you, or you can use a mix of them. The main goal is to protect privacy and stop anyone from getting private information without permission, no matter the method used. By following these tips, you can be sure you won't lose any private data when you get rid of old hardware or storage devices.