Businesses and consumers store data in many places. Because of e-mail and various other forms of cloud storage, it can be spread out. You should make sure data on those services is deleted when you cease to use them; losing track of data can cause security risks.
The devices you have direct control over, however, should be looked after carefully and disposed of cautiously. Desktop computers, laptops, smart devices, USB-attached hard drives, and flash drives are extremely common. They are used for both daily computing routines and backing up data — storage devices inside computers are used for data storage as well as computing.
When EOL (end-of-life) comes for data storage devices, whether they break down or become outdated, rendering the data on them unreadable is a priority. Even if a data storage device breaks, data can still be retrieved from it in many cases.
Common Procedures
When businesses deal with discarding data storage devices on a large scale, they typically use professionally built shredders. They are capable of breaking drives into tiny pieces that are permanently unrecoverable. However, when there are relatively few devices to discard, other options exist.
If keeping data storage devices is desired, programs or apps are available to zero them so that data can never be retrieved. It works by writing over existing data — keep in mind that merely deleting files does not make data irretrievable. There are usually tutorials for this method on the internet, although it still helps to be somewhat tech-savvy.
Other and perhaps simpler drive discarding methods include destruction by burning, smashing, or drilling. It’s common to smash thumb drives with hammers because the devices are small and delicate. However, larger storage devices such as hard drives are not as easy to smash — consider burning or drilling instead.
Summary
Part of data security is the efficient discarding of data storage devices. Devices don’t always have to be thrown away — for such devices, it’s safer to make sure their data is wiped. Keep track of where your data is at all times.
Various methods exist for discarding data storage devices. The appropriate method will depend on the budget and needs of the business or individual. It’s generally more efficient for businesses with several devices to use devices shredders — third-party services can also be used for destruction or wiping.
Individually smashing devices can be efficient. Be sure to do a thorough job if taking that route.