Degaussing definition
Degaussing is the process of decreasing or eliminating a remnant magnetic field. Degaussing is used to destroy data held on magnetic storage such as computer and laptop hard drives, discs, cassettes, etc. Degaussing is a guaranteed form of erasing data on a hard drive, which is a standard method of data destruction, ensuring that your information is no longer retrievable.
Pros and cons of degaussing method
- Pros
+ Save time
+ Limit e-waste. The hard drive after destruction can no longer be used, but some parts of the hard drive can still be recycled
+ Compatible with a wide range of magnetic storage devices
+ Data is completely destroyed
- Cons
+ High cost if you buy your own degausser. It can save if you use degaussing services.
+ Not applicable to SSD, USB, SD card
Degaussing process
- Basic degaussing service
Step 1: Label the devices
Step 2: Degaussing the hard drive
Step 3: Randomly validate 10% of the number of hard drives within the scope of work
Step 4: Report
Step 5: Handing over equipment
- Advanced degaussing service
Step 1: Label the device
Step 2: Evaluate the ability to perform Data Wiping service (keep the hard drive)
Step 3: Classification of equipment
Step 4: Degaussing the hard drive
Step 5: Validate all hard drives within the scope of work
Step 6: Report
Step 7: Handing over equipment