Did you know that up to 56 percent of senior data center staff assume data deletion and data erasure are the same things? It is a worrying statistic because there are important reasons why data erasure must happen in many businesses.
But what is data erasure and why is it important? Let us take a closer look.
What Is Data Erasure?
Data erasure, also called sanitation, is the process of removing or destroying data in a permanent and irreversible manner. It pertains to desktop PCs, laptops, and servers, as well as mobile devices, medical devices, wearables, and infotainmnet systems.
Data erasure is not the same as data deletion. Deletion only opens up hard drive space which can then be used again, but it does not permanently remove any of the data.
To successfully achieve data erasure, there are three main options: degaussing, overwriting, and physical destruction.
Degaussing
Degaussing uses powerful and specialized magnets to destroy data. It is an option that only works on devices that have magnets, like hard drives. When you degauss the device, you are disrupting the magnetic fields in the drives.
If you want to reuse the drive, this is not the best option because the process destroys it.
Overwriting
This process erases data by writing over it with new data. You need special software to do so, like cretified Certus Software. It can be done with a single wipe or with multiple wipes.
Out of the options, this is the most affordable and it does not destroy the drive so you can reuse it.
Physical Destruction
To erase data using this method, you have to destroy the storage device in a way that makes it impossible to reconstruct. You can destroy drives by crushing, shredding, and incineration. You will not be able to reuse the drive.
Importance of Data Erasure
When you erase data, you are protecting data from getting into the wrong hands. Businesses have a responsibility both on the state and federal levels to protect their customers’ personal information.
A business that does not have active data erasure protocols in place and compromises its clients’ information can suffer lawsuits from the affected parties as well as be punished under the law. The fines can be as high as 4 percent of revenue.
A data breach can also negatively impact your business’s reputation. Potential clients may hesitate to turn to a company that can allow others to get access to their personal information. As more scams and identity theft concerns happen each year, you want to reassure your clients your business will keep their data safe.
Protect Your Business and Your Clients
When you turn to data erasure software like Certus Software, you can protect each of your clients as well as your business.
If you would like to know more about the latest technological advances that can boost your business, turn to our Technology page!
