* Degaussing, "a magnetic process by which magnetic media are erased (returned to zero) by applying a reverse magnetic field using a
degausser"
Harding reveals that GCHQ also provided its own machine known as a
degausser, able to "destroy magnetic fields, thereby erasing hard drives and data".
The
degausser must have a high enough coercivity rating (magnetic power) to overcome the drive's magnetic field and completely erase its stored information.
Security Engineered Machinery (SEM), a leading supplier of information destruction equipment based in Westborough, Mass., makes shredders, disintegrators and
degaussers. A
degausser is used to permanently erase data from computer hard drives, making them unusable and ready for secure disposal by banks, hospitals and other organizations that need to protect confidential records.
"Certified data wiping software such as Ontrack[R] Eraser, which overwrites all the data on the hard drive, or a
degausser that wipes the data using a strong magnetic force rendering the device no longer usable, are the two safest methods to ensure private data is wiped and does not fall into the wrong hands."
It satisfies National Security Agency requirements for physical destruction of drives after they have been degaussed by an NSA-listed
degausser. A key is required to start the unit, so only authorized personnel can use it.
(ex:
Degausser) Does the institution M physically destroy expired printed-out material using a trash burner or shredder so that they are rendered not recognizable?
The Mag EraSURE ME-P3M
degausser from Security Engineered Machinery of Westboro, Massachusetts, completely and permanently removes confidential in formation from hard drives and other magnetic media.
For situations where companies need to dispose of damaged media, they should use a "
degausser" that can demagnetise the platters and completely erase the drive rendering it unusable.
* Subject inoperable hard drives to a certified
degausser, which demagnetizes the hard drive and renders all of the data unrecoverable.