Erasure verification: Does my organization need it?

Most organizations have protocols in place for data sanitization at end of life, but how can they be certain that every trace of data is gone? Additionally, regulatory requirements often demand third-party verification to confirm compliance.

The solution? Erasure verification services—performed by data recovery experts who specialize in locating lingering traces of information.

What Is Erasure Verification?

When an organization repurposes or disposes of data storage media, erasure verification ensures that the applied erasure or destruction method has successfully destroyed 100% of the data.

This process provides a written report, detailing the method, effectiveness, and forensic findings of the organization's data sanitization efforts—offering peace of mind and mitigating the risk of a data leak.

Match the Method to the Media – and Verify, Verify, Verify

The NIST 800-88 framework, published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), outlines guidelines for effective data sanitization.

A crucial recommendation within NIST 800-88r1 is the need for verification of the sanitization process:

“Verifying the selected information sanitization and disposal process is an essential step in maintaining confidentiality. Two types of verification should be considered. The first is verification every time sanitization is applied…The second is a representative sampling verification, applied to a selected subset of the sanitized media. If possible, the sampling verification should be executed by personnel who were not part of the original sanitization action.”

— NIST SP 800-88, Rev.1, “Information Sanitization and Decision Making”

NIST specifies two key approaches for verification:

• Full verification – Ensuring every piece of media has undergone sanitization.
• Sampling verification – Reviewing a subset of media to confirm no recoverable data remains, performed by a 3rd party.

Without verification, organizations risk data breaches. For organizations subject to stringent regulations, such as financial firms, proving the effectiveness of data destruction is essential for compliance.

A NIST 800-88 certificate serves as official documentation that data has been rendered irretrievable. Without this verification and certification, sanitization may be incomplete.

Learn more about how Ontrack can assist with erasure verification.

Why Do We Need Data Security?

Data security remains a critical issue, with companies frequently facing scrutiny over data leaks. Many organizations are now required to provide third-party validation of their erasure methods to prove compliance with industry standards.

Beyond regulatory needs, due diligence demands organizations confirm that their data erasure methods are effective and secure.

Failure to verify data destruction exposes organizations to accidental leaks or theft of sensitive information.

Erasure verification services not only validate the effectiveness of data sanitization but also provide official documentation as proof.

How Does the Erasure Validation Process Work?

1. Device Preparation – The customer writes a specific known data pattern simulating user data to the device that will undergo validation (or requests Ontrack to prepare the device).
2. Sanitization Process – The customer runs their chosen data sanitization method (or requests Ontrack to perform it).
3. Analysis – A deep forensic inspection of the media is conducted to detect any remaining data traces.
4. Erasure Validation Report – A final report is provided, detailing the process and results.

Why Choose Erasure Verification?

Opting for erasure verification ensures your organization avoids accidental leaks or data theft. It also helps maintain control over internal data while streamlining compliance requirements.

Key Benefits of Erasure Verification:

✅ Adherence to strict security protocols

✅ Certified erasure reports for compliance

✅ Disposal of end-of-life data to government standards

In today’s digital environment, organizations cannot afford to take risks with sensitive information.

If you’d like to learn more or get a quotation for Ontrack’s Erasure Verification services, Contact Us today.

Is Erasure Verification Necessary If Using a Certified Software Solution?

Even when using certified data erasure software, verification remains a recommended practice. Here's why:

• Some erasure software may fail to remove hidden or remapped data blocks.
• Regulatory authorities often require third-party validation, regardless of certification.
• Organizations need audit-ready proof to confirm compliance with industry standards.

A certificate of verification offers the highest assurance that all data has been irretrievably destroyed—helping prevent potential security risks.

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