Matching the Method to the Device & Verification
Protecting sensitive electronic information requires more than just a strong data retention and protection plan—it demands a well-defined data erasure policy. As a global data recovery service provider, Ontrack witnesses daily the importance of properly destroying data. Our expertise in recovering seemingly lost data proves how much attention this process requires.
There are various methods to securely erase data, but the key is selecting the right approach based on the type of storage medium and sensitivity of the data. As technology rapidly evolves, certain advancements can make data destruction more challenging. SSDs, hybrid hard drives, and server storage devices continually change and evolve, necessitating specialized sanitization techniques. Similarly, external drives and mobile devices vary significantly between models and manufacturers, affecting the optimal method of data destruction.
Therefore, it is essential to match the erasure method to the specific device and verify the results.
To address this, let's examine key industry standards that define data sanitization practices: DoD 5220.22-M, NIST 800-88, ISO/IEC 27040, and IEEE 2883-2022.
Starting in 1995, the DoD 5220.22-M was published to outline methods for for secure data destruction. Originally published by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) within the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), it included a Clearing and Sanitization Matrix outlining different sanitization techniques for various storage devices.
Following its 2021 revision, NISPOM transitioned into a U.S. federal regulation rather than a specific DoD policy. While the update removed explicit sanitization guidelines, the legacy of DoD 5220.22-M continues to influence industry practices.
Published in 2014, NIST Special Publication 800-88 Revision 1: Guidelines for Media Sanitization provides systematic instructions for securely erasing electronic storage media. It is widely adopted in business environments due to its practical approach and emphasis on matching sanitization methods to storage technologies.
The Guidelines for Media Sanitization have become a global reference, influencing internationally recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27040:2015.
To address evolving data storage technologies, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced IEEE 2883-2022, a standard specifically targeting logical and physical storage sanitization.
This standard provides technology-specific instructions for secure erasure, covering modern storage devices such as SATA, SCSI, and NVMe drives, which have gained widespread adoption. IEEE 2883-2022 is a vital resource for organizations seeking reliable data sanitization solutions.
Each type of storage device operates on different technologies, making it essential to apply the correct data destruction method. Selecting an improper technique can result in sensitive data remaining on the device, posing a significant security risk. Let's examine the best data erasure methods for various devices:
When a file is deleted from a traditional hard drive (non-SSD), the system simply marks it as "deleted," allowing data recovery until those sectors are overwritten. Contrary to popular belief, even physically damaged hard drives can still yield recoverable data.
Effective Erasure Methods:
Wiping SSDs is more complex due to their unique architecture. Unlike HDDs, SSDs store data across varying physical locations, meaning traditional overwriting may not eliminate all traces.
Recommended Erasure Techniques:
Tapes are widely used for long-term data storage, sometimes exceeding 30 years. However, when data retention expires, secure erasure is required.
Best Erasure Methods:
Smartphone erasure depends on the brand, operating system, and provider, each offering varying levels of security.
iPhone (iOS)
Android
Servers and networked storage systems may retain data due to middleware configurations. For full sanitization, each disk should be wiped individually.
Verifying the erasure process is critical to maintaining data security and confidentiality. Certified sanitization methods provide fraud-proof reports, compliance certificates, and documentation to ensure complete data removal.
As storage technologies advance, the landscape of data sanitization continues to shift. Whether following DoD, NIST, ISO, or IEEE guidelines, ensuring the correct erasure method for each device type is critical. Proper verification ensures that sensitive data is securely removed, preventing unauthorized recovery.
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