Data erasure, also known as data wiping or data sanitisation, is the process of permanently deleting data from a storage device. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as disposing of an old device, selling a device, or simply wanting to clear out space on a device.
The best method for data erasure on business PCs will depend on the specific circumstances and the level of security required. Some factors to consider when choosing a data erasure method for business PCs include:
- Sensitivity of the data: If the data being erased is highly sensitive, such as financial or personal information, a more secure method may be necessary.
- Regulatory requirements: Some industries, such as healthcare and finance, may have specific regulatory requirements for data erasure. It’s important to ensure that the data erasure method complies with these requirements.
- Ease of use: If the data erasure method is difficult to use or requires specialised training, it may not be practical for a business with multiple PCs and an external service will be required.
- Cost: Data erasure methods can vary in cost, so it’s important to consider the budget of the business.
Some popular methods for data erasure on business PCs include:
- DoD-compliant software data erasure: This involves using specialised software to delete the data from the PC. There are a variety of software solutions available, such as Certus and Blancco, which offer a range of features and options for data erasure, including overwriting the data multiple times with specific patterns
- Physical destruction: This involves physically destroying the storage device, such as the hard drive or SSD, in order to delete the data. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as shredding the device, crushing it, or melting it down.
Ultimately, the best method for data erasure on business PCs will depend on the specific circumstances and the level of security required. It’s important to carefully consider the sensitivity of the data, regulatory requirements, ease of use, and cost when choosing a data erasure method.
Software Data Erasure
Software-based data erasure involves using specialised software to delete the data. One popular product for this is Certus, which offers both software and hardware solutions for data erasure.
Certus offers a range of features to make data erasure as effective and secure as possible. For example, it can overwrite the data multiple times with random patterns, making it much harder for someone to recover the deleted data. It also includes verification tools to ensure that the data has been completely erased, and it can generate reports to demonstrate that the data has been erased to regulatory standards.
Another popular product for data erasure is Blancco. Like Certus, Blancco offers both software and hardware solutions for data erasure. One of the key features of Blancco is its support for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and servers.
Blancco also offers a range of options for data erasure, including full erasure, partial erasure, and selective erasure. Full erasure involves deleting all data from a device, including the operating system and other software. Partial erasure allows users to select specific files or folders to delete, while selective erasure allows users to choose which sectors of a device to erase.
In addition to these options, Blancco also includes verification tools to ensure that the data has been completely erased and can generate reports for regulatory compliance.
Both Certus and Blancco offer a range of benefits for those looking to securely erase data from their devices. They are both well-respected and reliable products that are trusted by businesses and individuals alike.
However, it’s important to note that no data erasure method is 100% foolproof. There is always a risk that someone with the right tools and knowledge could potentially recover deleted data. As such, it’s important to carefully consider the sensitivity of the data being erased and the level of security required. Seek specialist consultation for advice on your level of data erasure required.
In conclusion, data erasure is an important process for anyone looking to securely delete data from their devices. Products like Certus and Blancco offer a range of features and options to help users effectively and securely erase their data, but it’s important to carefully consider the sensitivity of the data and the level of security required.
