Data tapes hold valuable information and confidential files in a company. It serves as an electronic record for a company’s daily activities and numerous transactions. That is why; Lots of companies refer to IT experts in performing data tape destruction. After all, leaked data from a supposedly eradicated tape is one of the worst nightmares that a company could experience. 

A company’s desire to secure data tapes is understandable. Even ordinary people are afraid of disposing of gadgets full of previous info. Although as for companies, it is entirely inevitable. Since devices and equipment must be updated according to the needs of users, obsolete and defective hardware is replaced from time to time. Some are still functional, but incapable of holding more data. One way or another, companies end up doing data tape destruction.

What is Data Tape Destruction?

The majority of people believed that merely erasing a file in a device is sufficient, but it is a massive misconception. They seem not to be viewable, but data tapes and hard drives still contain the deleted files. Data tape destruction guarantees that instances like these are prevented because tons of data are likely to be sensitive. You do not want useful information to be at risk, or worse, your data to be later stolen and used illegally. 

Furthermore, data tape destruction ensures that all information about your company, partners, and clients is eliminated to bits. You do not need to worry about discarded data that could threaten your company’s reputation. Companies that provide IT disposal services often follow professional destruction standards. They even adhere to environment-friendly regulations to avoid ecological hazards. The process is indeed ideal not only for privacy protection but also for reducing electronic wastes.

Data Tape and Its Different Formats

Throughout the years, the selection for data tapes has evolved; some are modified and developed but mostly are swapped with formats. Knowing the formats of the data tapes that you owned is one of the factors to consider. 

Digital Linear Tape (DLT)

Most people had known this as CompacTape. It is a magnetic type of data tape. It is commonly used as storage and caches. This data tape is expected to do 250 full back-ups under the best conditions. Compression of files can be done before any encryption; thus, the tapes’ capacities are utilized. 

Digital Audio Tape (DAT)

Among data tapes, DAT has one of the highest numbers of turnovers. Companies usually dispose of volume of DAT in exchange for more advanced and efficient tapes. In a data tape destruction setting, such format has been considered as a constant electronic waste. A couple of reasons for this situation is that these tapes are prone to environmental and physical damage. It offers up to 320GB of data, which is sufficient for most tasks in the workplace. But unfortunately, this kind of data tape exhaust quickly.

Linear Tape-Open (LTO)

This tape is ideal for both small and heavyweight computer systems. Similar to digital linear tapes, LTO can make 250 full back-ups if optimized. They are used primarily for back-up and recovery purposes. This kind boasts of delivering reliable data protection. But keep in mind that data protection must be done during and after use. So, data tape destruction is still strongly advised. 

Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT)

Like DAT and LTO, Advanced Intelligent Tape or AIT is a magnetic kind of tape. It uses a helical technique for scanning that optimizes data transfer storage capacity. Recently, AIT has been discontinued, and a newer version was launched. After the end of production, few companies are expected to discard AIT they own and upgrade to the improved ones. 

VXA

The creators of the format dubbed this tape as “packet technology.” It is installed with a helical scanning technique as well, like AIT. VXA has two read heads to allow flexibility in reading tapes that are made of other drives. 

Forms of Data Tape Destruction

Plenty of business has come up with more and newer ways to do data tape destruction. Data tape is one of those assets to be taken care of until the last use. Thus, companies are trying to get a hold of the most effective way to dispose of them, if not the best. But most users are unaware that there are only two reliable ways to do this:

Shredding

If you got trusted number of manpower, this is the way to go. This is the method used in shredding tapes to unusable tiny pieces. This data tape destruction is that option where you apply a physical effort to smash the media. It is done to an extent where tapes can no longer be reformed.  It is completed to ensure that the information will not be accessed as long as the tapes are shredded to bits. The process is messy since the volume of tapes can multiply by four-folds. But for the level of data protection acquired? It is all worth every penny.

Data Degaussing

As far as technicalities, this is the only proven effective way to get rid of your data tapes. Data degaussing is the suggested method of data tape destruction nationwide. Since the National Security Agency and other significant government agency approved this, this process takes away the presence of a magnetic field that holds information in data tapes. Deceivingly, the media will look physically unbroken. But do not worry! All of the contents inside are wiped out and useless. 

This way is way more advisable because the actual medial is not destroyed. Data tapes looked the same as if they did not undergo data tape destruction. Therefore, intact tapes with inaccessible contents are more comfortable to be transported and stored. A known way to degaussed tapes is thru an incinerator used for generating power. Numerous facilities for degaussed tapes incineration are located across the country. But not on is available in every state. 

Consequences of Skipping Data Tape Destruction 

As of now, you must be already well-aware of the advantages of doing this handy process. But remember that the consequences are equally important. The delay of data tape destruction can cause a series of problems. You not only put your company’s at risk but also the people you are doing business with. Below are the possible repercussions: 

Unorganized Data Center

Aside from a mind full of worries, having a cluttered data center is one of the effects of skipping data disposal. Data tapes take up unwanted space for both online and offline tasks. Do not settle for a cramped workspace. Discard data tapes that you do not need anymore. And start to enjoy that valuable space in your data storage facilities. 

Unnecessary Storage Charges

Save your company from expenses that you no longer getting the benefits of. Many companies, especially bigger ones, do not notice that they are still paying storage fees for obsolete data media.  They are more focused on upgrading to newer equipment than assessing if some are still functional. Media that is not immediately disposed of are still subject to storage fees. Meanwhile, they are only waiting to be transported into the care of data tape destruction experts.  

Breaches in Privacy Policies

Most companies, if not all, make clients agree to sign a contract of information confidentiality. It is a bond between you and your customer that your company cannot use any of their records for unnecessary purposes that could negatively affect them. Moreover, it is your due responsibility that their files will remain protected at all costs. But what happens if a particular client wished to cut ties with your company? You must immediately dispose of all info related to them. If you failed to do so, possible breaches in legal regulations and policies might occur.

What is Secure Data Destruction?

Data tapes are known to have a substantial amount of records. Companies should be mindful of disposing and destroying such assets. But when can you say that the successful destruction of media has taken place? Well, it is when Secure Data Destruction is observed.  Secure data destruction is regarded if it aligns with most standards set by government bodies. The likes of the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST), together with the National Security Agency (NSA), are well-known in this area. 

A Trustworthy Partner, Abtron Computer Services Inc.! 

If you are planning to destroy data tapes or any media and electronic devices after this read, Abtron Computer Services Inc. will be more than delighted to assist you! They do data destruction with high-level security and professionalism.  Because your privacy matters, and they know how sensitive personal records are. 



They offer a wide range of degaussers, from manual to automatic ones. They got it all! So, your worries regarding important information being leaked will be kept at bay. They have been in the industry for 25 years, innovating and continuously finding improved ways for secure data destruction. You can rest assured that they are beyond familiar with the process, especially if the particular concern you have right now is about data tape destruction. 

It is vital to have a monthly inspection and thorough destruction of storage media at your data facilities that do not serve its purpose. In doing so, you are not only securing your present protection, but you are preventing risks in the future. Pick up the phone and give Abtron Computer Services Inc. a call now!