How Hard Drive Degaussing Works

The core of every hard drive degaussing services lies in degaussing. Degaussing is a process of wiping off hard drive data through the use of a degausser, a device built for the elimination of data. This process is also one of many steps to take towards data destruction.

These degaussers work by eliminating the magnetic fields of storage devices, altering the alignment of the medium’s domain. They ensure that previous data becomes unrecoverable, whether its audio, video or other data signals from storage mediums. Degaussers work in contrast to cleaning software; traditionally, the software can only overwrite previous data, not completely erase it. When it comes to data destruction, hard drive degaussing achieves this goal better than any software.

And degaussing also applies to other forms of magnetic storage, which includes VHS tapes, cassette tapes, computer diskettes and more. These storage devices also keep data stored through magnetic fields, which are susceptible to degaussing when necessary. The type of media for degaussing plays a role in how long the process will take. Different types of media will require different magnetic field strengths, and it’s crucial to know which degausser to use for each.

As mentioned earlier, degausser operations can vary depending on the type of media. For tapes, you have two options: (1) to move the tape over a strong magnetic field; or (2) to move a strong magnetic field over the type. In a hard drive degaussing service, the most uniform practice is that old disks pass under a conveyor transport degausser at a steady pace. This pace ensures that the hard drives pass under degaussing coils frequently, ensuring the success of the degaussing process. Movement is constant throughout the course of degaussing, and the consistency of the motion can also determine the quality of the data erasure.

The increasing shift into the digital world forced businesses to adapt to this new kind of storage. This shift has then boosted demand on data destruction methods like hard drive degaussing service and data shredding procedures to cope with the influx of data. And with storage media moving towards smaller and more compact hardware, shredding or grinding down is not enough. Degaussing will become increasingly popular in the coming years due to its secure and absolute erasure process.

Who Benefits from Hard Drive Degaussing Service?

Data security is now more critical than ever. As degaussing is an efficient method to clean out old hard drives of data, many industries benefit significantly from a hard drive degaussing service. Here are a few examples:

Schools

A constant flow of students every year is bound to fill up storage quickly. Schools can degauss hard drives of old student records to make room for new ones.

Banks and other financial institutions

A person’s finances require rigorous safe-keeping, as they can hold one’s very future. Financial institutions can make use of degaussers or a hard drive degaussing service to help wipe off data from their database, ensuring the security of cardholders.

Hospitals

Like personal finances, medical data is also confidential information that requires protection. Hospitals can destroy these sensitive files such as patient records when they are no longer needed.

Data storage companies

There will come a time when storage is not needed anymore due to a variety of causes. And when that time comes, degaussing is a quick and easy method of erasing data off hard drives.

Tech firms

Files are the backbone of every tech firm, so it only fits to protect these files from possible security breaches. Data destruction is the most common form of protection for this, and a hard drive degaussing service allows companies to do just that. It also guarantees the safe disposal of old tech and provides for the re-usage of back-up tapes.

Security agencies

Security agencies run on crucial information that’s documented and stored in hard disks, which may range from CCTV footage to sensitive audio recording tapes. A benefit from using a hard drive degaussing service is that it also provides for re-usage of VHS tapes for future use. Another is that it’s a secure method of erasing top-secret information.

Radio and TV broadcasting networks

Media companies use up many tapes over the course of filming. Hard drive degaussing services provide ways for them to re-use expensive videos for other uses.

What to Consider in a Hard Drive Degaussing Service

Hard drive degaussing service is helpful for sure, as data is a driving factor in most businesses today. However, each one can vary from the other due to some factors. Here are some examples where a hard drive degaussing service can differ from the next:

Kind of media

Some hard drive degaussing services may only cater to hard drive and tapes, while others only to VHS and cassette tapes. The range of service lies on the type of degausser that a hard drive degaussing service offers; the better the degausser, the more types of media it can erase.

Storage of media

How big the data also plays a factor. While some hard drive degaussing services are fit to destroy large amounts of data, other services can only erase so much. The density of the data can also affect the time frame of the degaussing service, which may either take faster or longer, depending on the degausser available.

Storage density

Degaussing erases data by eliminating the magnetic field in a storage device. That said, a practical hard drive degaussing service should have all the tools to erase files off your hard drive, specifically a degausser with enough power to do so. Otherwise, you will not complete a comprehensive data destruction process.

Mode of operation

Older hard drive degaussing services might operate manually, which can affect the time spent on degaussing your media. And these usually require human resources to work, contributing to the cost of the service.

Get Practical with Hard Drive Degaussing Service

In conclusion, a hard drive degaussing service is simply wiping off hard drive data using a degausser. You can apply this method to different kinds of hard drives, whether they’re HDDs, SSDs, or even EMCs if the degausser is old enough. And with an abundance of IT companies right now, there can be tens to hundreds of ones which offer hard drive degaussing as part of their services.

Although, there are still some factors to watch out for when looking out for one. Hard drive degaussing services offer the same product but can execute it in different ways. In some cases, other services might offer benefits such as audit reporting or even hard drive shredding if the price is right.

However, the key to finding the most practical hard drive degaussing service lies with you. It’s up to you to determine the needs for degaussing, which includes the hard drive and other services you might need in addition to the process. You also have to consider the company that you deal with, if they have the right tools and if their expertise is up to your standard. But any hard drive degaussing service works just fine if you are only looking to destroy your data.

Degauss with Abtron Now!

Hard drive degaussing is a safe and cost-efficient method in disposing of your data. There are many ways to do it, either by investing in a hard drive degaussing service or even buying a degausser to use at home. Although if you are only getting started, it’s best to leave the work to the experts who will be able to get the job done correctly. Eliminating magnetic fields may sound like an easy task, but it becomes complicated if you don’t know the in’s and out’s of the device.

Fortunately, Abtron has all the tools you need for a secure hard drive degaussing service. With over 20 years of experience and counting, we ensure that to destroy your hard drive data with our Secure Data Destruction service. We do this because at Abtron, your privacy matters. Reach us at abtron.com to get a free quote today!