Definitive data destruction

Companies are inundated with old backup tapes and other sensitive data sources, but just dumping them in the trash won't cut it, either security-wise or environmentally. The first step is setting a policy for end-stage data disposal or data destruction. Then, choose a method of destruction. Using simple deletion or disk-formatting commands is not enough to destroy data unequivocally. One choice is turning to a media destruction or computer recycling firm that can shred tapes and hard drives securely. Data destruction services also offer customers the option to view their media's destruction remotely and to ship double-locked "storm cases" to protect remote customers' media in transit to their facility. Another option is to encrypt files or whole volumes of data earlier in their life cycle, before the media on which they are stored need to be retired, or are upgraded or donated. Yet another choice is to melt drives and tapes down. Picking one data destruction method over another usually comes down to how far the organization believes it needs to go to destroy data to comply with applicable legislation or corporate policy.

Learn more about destroying data properly:
- read the article at ComputerWorld