• Home
• Computer Recycling
• Data Destruction
• WEEE Disposal
• Managed Services
• Product Resale
• Service Partners
• Environmental/CSR

• ABOUT US
• WHY USE EOL?
• DATA SECURITY
• DATA SHREDDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
• CONTACT US

Which method of data destruction is right for you?

When undergoing data destruction there are five procedures which should be considered and each has different virtues.  In some cases a combination of these methods could achieve the results you are looking for.

EOL is able to carry out any of these methods either at your own facilities or at our own secure premises:

1. Data Wiping

This method uses an HMG Infosec standard wipe of the hard drive and is carried out using software via a LAN connection.

The benefits of this procedure are:

• Because the hard drive can be reused after all data is wiped it is more likely that the redundant IT equipment housing the drive will have a residual value;

• This is the most environmentally responsible procedure as it allows reuse of the hard drive and, therefore, reduces the carbon emissions employed to manufacture replacement drives.

2. Data Degaussing

Degaussing is used to erase all data, audio and video from magnetic storage media such as hard drives.  Degaussing can achieve the same HMG Infosec standard as data wiping. 

The benefits are:

• This procedure renders hard drives or DLTs totally inoperable and puts them in a neutral state;

• If a hard drive is malfunctioning then it cannot be wiped – degaussing is therefore the alternative.

3. Data Shredding

This is the total destruction of data media (including hard drives and DLTs).  The benefits are:

• Clients are able to witness the physical destruction for themselves;

• Used in conjunction with degaussing (see above) all data is totally destroyed.

4. Data Crushing

This is the basic procedure whereby the hard drive is broken in to two pieces.  The benefits are:

• This is an effective budget method if the data contained on the drive is not sensitive;

• Used in conjunction with degaussing (see above) all data is totally destroyed.

  
  

5. Data Granulator/Disintegrator

The machinery, equipped with a 6mm screen, is suitable for the destruction of magnetic media, paper and electronic media (hard drives etc) up to the protective marking of "Top Secret".