Degaussing

What is Degaussing?

Degaussing is exposing the magnetic media to a strong magnetic field in order to disrupt the recorded magnetic domains. A degausser is a device that generates a magnetic field used to sanitize magnetic media. Degaussers are rated based on the type (i.e., low energy or high energy) of magnetic media they can purge. Degaussers operate using either a strong permanent magnet or an electromagnetic coil. Degaussing can be an effective method for purging damaged media, for purging media with exceptionally large storage capacities, or for quickly purging diskettes. Degaussing is not effective for purging nonmagnetic media, such as Solid State Devices, optical media [compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc.).

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Guidelines for Media Sanitization, ” Degaussing of any hard drive assembly usually destroys the drive as the firmware that manages the device is also destroyed.”

Degaussing any current generation hard disk will render the drive permanently unusable.

Onsite degaussing

Although we recommend that media destruction take place at the client’s location, many opt for onsite degaussing instead. This process involves using a portable degausser onsite. The sanitized hard drives or tape drives are then transported back to our facility for destruction.  Other than onsite shredding, the process of providing NIST approved onsite degaussing is the next best option.

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

Degaussing doesn’t work on SSDs. SSDs don’t store data magnetically, so applying a strong magnetic field won’t do anything. The safest and most effective way to destroy data on Solid State Drives is by physically destroying the drive. Ideally, this should happen onsite, but secure transportation to a certified electronics shredder is also an effective way to ensure full data destruction.