"Destroying the evidence"

[OnePostWonder]

So who is correct?

HTG writer Chris Hoffman on Erasing Data

Center for Magnetic Recording Research

I'd like to hear your opinions on securely erasing modern hard drives. Personally, I'd really love to hear from those of you who have experience using cutting-edge forensic tools.

 

[KainXS]

personally I store my sensitive work data on a different drive and keep it.

and i mean keep it because I would get fired if it got out(got like 4 now over the years). I horde all my pc parts really:shadedshu

 

[Norton]

Best method right here:

No undo button though!

 

[KainXS]

yea i know alot of people who use that method

 

[ThE_MaD_ShOt]

Best method right here:

http://img.techpowerup.org/120607/mini sledge.jpg

No undo button though!

That is one of the best ways to kill data.

 

[CaptainFailcon]

heat more precisely >> fire is the most effective way heat destroys the plating on the platters turning them to dust Rendering the drive 100% completely unrecoverable even by advanced lasers

 

[natr0n]

I use hdtune and some others, anything that writes 0's basically works but only full format.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Gutmann's algorithm is the best (as in most destructive to data) way to erase data.

I use DoD 5220.22-M algorithm to erase data. It isn't the best, but most of the data won't be recoverable.

If the drive is not important to me, I usually try to dismantle it (deforming the platters in the process), and putting a magnet directly on the platters.

The absolute best way to destroy data on a hard drive and likely the hard drive too is to use a degausser. They often cost $3000+ though so not very practical for small outfits. If you want the best of the best, find a degausser that has the NSA (National Security Agency) seal of approval. Here's an example of NSA approved device and it runs for over $21,000: http://www.datadev.com/degausser-sdd-master.html

 

[D007]

Lol this topic scares me... I don't even wanna know what you need to erase so badly.. XD

 

[silkstone]

Lol this topic scares me... I don't even wanna know what you need to erase so badly.. XD

If you are running a business, you wouldn't want your competition to get hold of your old disk drives.

 

[Aquinus]

heat more precisely >> fire is the most effective way heat destroys the plating on the platters turning them to dust Rendering the drive 100% completely unrecoverable even by advanced lasers

HDD platters are metalic, I'm pretty sure they don't "burn and turn to dust." Last I checked, heated metals melt not burn. Yeah, melting them will do that, but I'm sure a sledge hammer is the cheaper option. a 7-pass or 32-pass zero-out should work just as well too.

 

[Jetster]

7 pass is the standard for platter drives. I don't think you can erase a SSD drive, at least completely

http://cmrr.ucsd.edu/people/Hughes/SecureErase.shtml

 

[Aquinus]

7 pass is the standard for platter drives. I don't think you can erase a SSD drive, at least completely

I think your right, since the SSD will write to blocks with the least number of writes. However someone who wanted to recover this data would have a hell of a time because SSDs relocate sectors and blocks pretty often to reduce SSD wear on writes to distribute writes out along the entire drive.

 

[_JP_]

1 - Turn on HDD.
2 - Attach rare-earth magnet to either side, top or bottom.
3 - ???
4 - PROFIT!

PROTIP: Slide the magnet around the HDD for maximum performance!

 

[Aquinus]

1 - Turn on HDD.
2 - Attach rare-earth magnet to either side, top or bottom.
3 - ???
4 - PROFIT!

PROTIP: Slide the magnet around the HDD for maximum performance!

You will destroy the data but you could damage the drive itself or the read/write head if you use a magnet too strong. Also you might not scramble everything if you use a magnet not strong enough. 7-pass format makes for a good test to make sure the drive is reliable as well.

 

[_JP_]

If the drive is still functional, someone might still try to recover some data off it. I want the data to become non-existent and unobtainable. Even if it means killing the HDD.

 

[Raw]

use a torch

If the drive is still functional, someone might still try to recover some data off it. I want the data to become non-existent and unobtainable. Even if it means killing the HDD.

The only sure way I know of is to use a torch. A real torch as in acetylene/oxygen. The flame burns at about 6,330 °F (3,500 °C). You wind up with a small puddle of metal.
Take the drive cover off and melt the platters, takes all of 5 seconds, gone forever.

 

[Jetster]

Anyone can break a drive. The trick is to looses the data and same the drive

 

[qubit]

I simply hit the delete button and the data is gone...

 

[Aquinus]

I simply hit the delete button and the data is gone...

Not true. Only the record on the file system is deleted. The data is still there until something else writes over it, unless you're using an SSD with TRIM and/or garbage collection.

 

[qubit]

Not true. Only the record on the file system is deleted. The data is still there until something else writes over it, unless you're using an SSD with TRIM and/or garbage collection.

Gotcha! I was talking tongue in cheek. Look at my post again...

 

[Aquinus]

Gotcha! I was talking tongue in cheek. Look at my post again...

I'm not catching it, but I will take your word for it.

 

[pantherx12]

I take the platters out and use them as Frisbees in areas with lots of concrete.

One of the funner ways to make sure your data is safe!

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Id do it the american way and use one of these babys...

Spoiler

Unfortunately I will be arrested and charged with illegal use of firearms and posession of a firearm once the police hear the shot as civilians arent allowed to carry firearms here

 

[caleb]

Magnets do wonders do HDDs