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Have you ever wondered what happens to your data after you delete it? Is it really gone forever?

Well, the truth is, that deleted data can still be recovered. In fact, according to a study by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), more than 40% of all discarded hard drives still contain sensitive data. That’s why it’s important to use a secure method of data destruction when you’re ready to get rid of your old devices.  Additionally, European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires companies to implement “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to protect personal data. This includes data erasure.

In this blog, we are going to be talking about the two most common methods of data destruction: data erasure and degaussing. We’ll also help you decide which method is right for you.

So, what is data erasure?

Data erasure is the process of overwriting data on a hard drive or other storage device. This can be done with special software that writes new data over the old data, making it unreadable. This ensures that the data is completely destroyed and cannot be recovered.

Data erasure can be used to destroy all types of data, including:

  • Sensitive Personal information (e.g. ID card number, Addresses)
  • Financial data (e.g. bank account information, tax returns)
  • Medical records
  • Business data (e.g. customer lists, product information)
  • Any other type of sensitive data

But how is it different from degaussing?

Degaussing is the process of demagnetising a hard drive or other storage device. This can be done with a special machine called a degausser. The degausser uses a strong magnetic field to erase the data on the drive. This renders the data unreadable and unrecoverable.

Why is it important for companies to securely destroy data?

There are many reasons why it is important for companies to destroy data. One reason is that it can help to protect sensitive information from being stolen or misused. For example, if a company does not properly destroy its data, a hacker could steal customer data or financial information.

Another reason is that it can help companies to comply with privacy laws and regulations. Additionally, destroying data can also help companies to free up storage space and improve their overall efficiency.  

Here are some more reasons why companies should destroy data: 

  • To protect their reputation 
  • To avoid legal penalties 
  • To maintain customer trust 
  • To improve their bottom line

Pro Tip: If you are not sure how to properly destroy your data, it is best to consult with a professional data destruction company. They can help you to choose the right method for your needs and ensure that your data is destroyed in a secure and compliant manner. They can also help you to navigate the complex landscape of data privacy laws and regulations. Contact Ample today 

What are the different methods of data destruction? 

There are many different methods of data destruction. Some of the most common methods include: 

  • Data erasure: As mentioned above, data erasure is the process of overwriting data on a hard drive or other storage device. 
  • Degaussing: Degaussing is the process of demagnetising a hard drive or other storage device.
  • Shredding: Shredding is the process of physically destroying a hard drive or other storage device.
  • Incineration: Incineration is the process of burning a hard drive or other storage device.

The best method of data destruction for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Data Erasure vs Degaussing: Which One Should You Choose?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing between data erasure and degaussing.

  • Cost: Degaussers can be expensive, while data erasure software is relatively affordable.
  • Speed: Degaussing is a much faster process than data erasure.
  • Security: Both data erasure and degaussing are secure methods of data destruction. However, data erasure is more secure because it overwrites the data, while degaussing only demagnetises the drive.
  • Compliance: Some industries have regulations that require companies to use specific methods of data destruction. For example, the healthcare industry requires companies to use degaussing to destroy medical records.

So, which method should you choose?

Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

  • If you need a fast and affordable method, then degaussing is a good option.
  • If you need a more secure method, or if you need to comply with specific regulations, then data erasure is a better choice.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a data destruction method:

  • Consider the type of data you need to destroy.
  • Consider the level of security you need.
  • Consider your budget. 
  • Consider your compliance requirements.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the data destruction method that is right for you.

Pro Tip: No matter which method you choose, it is important to have a written policy in place for data destruction. This policy should outline the steps that you will take to destroy data, as well as the procedures for ensuring that data is destroyed properly.

How Can Ample Help You with Data and Device Management?

Ample is a leading provider of end-to-end device management services. We can help you to manage your devices throughout their entire lifecycle, from procurement to disposal. We offer a variety of data destruction services, including data erasure and degaussing. We can also help you to develop and implement a data destruction policy.

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service. We are also committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

If you are looking for a partner to help you with your data and device management needs, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

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