What is Data Erasure Software?

Data erasure software is a computer program that uses a software-based method to erase all data on a hard disk drive or other memory storage device. Unlike simple file deletion, erasure software tries to wipe all electronic data permanently. This contrasts to basic file deletion, which resets the data pointers, allowing data to be recovered.

The data erasure program overwrites data on all partitions of a hard drive with a string of meaningless pseudorandom data. Many large firms use this data erasure method when there is a high risk of data breach and identity theft.

Erasure software frequently overwrites data numerous times to make sure that the erased data is not recoverable, and this method is crucial for sensitive materials. Most erasure software carries out a verification of deleted information to confirm that data is completely eradicated.

How Does Data Erasure Software Work?

Data erasure software uses standards like Air Force System Security Instruction 5020, Blancco SSD Erasure, Bruce Schneier's Algorithm, CESG CPA – Higher Level, to name a few, to erase previously stored confidential and sensitive data. This ensures data privacy by avoiding data leakage and data breach threats. Data wiping standards help destroy data beyond a point of restoration.

Meeting international criteria and guaranteeing the number of instances the data is overwritten before eradicating the device's content is a critical determinant in data erasure. Some of these standards necessitate a means for ensuring that all data has been deleted from the SSD or hard disk in its entirety. Data erasure eradicated files on drives, including hidden sections such as HPA, DCO, and remapped sectors.

What are Data Erasure Software Standards?

Here are some of the popular data erasure software standards:

• NIST SINGLE PASS: NIST SINGLE PASS overwrites data using a single pass of random numbers, characters, or all zeroes.
• DOD 3 PASS: The standard procedure of data erasure, which the United States Department of Defense follows, erases data from all devices that do not contain sensitive information. With the right tools, ordinary computer users as well can use this standard. This standard overwrites data in three steps: first, zeroes are written, followed by ones, and then any random character.
• DOD 7 PASS: DOD 7 PASS is identical to the three-pass technique, but here, each step is conducted four times.
• GUTMANN ALGORITHM: The Gutmann algorithm is a data wiping software standard that uses 35 passes to overwrite data. As it stands, it is one of the most reliable and secure data erasing standards.

What Is the Importance of Data Erasure Software?

Data destruction software uses an algorithm-based method to eradicate all data on any memory storage device. Data wiping software attempts to wipe all electronic data permanently. However, when you delete a file from a hard drive, it is marked as deleted by the drive. Unless a user overwrites that file, it can still be recovered using trustworthy data recovery software. The uses of data erasure software programs are mentioned as follows:

• Using data destruction software or a degausser is the best way to ensure secure hard disk destruction. Your decision to use data erasure programs is dependent on the number of memory storage devices you wish to delete.
• Data wiping software are designed to help you securely remove sensitive information from storage devices. Government organizations and private institutes all across the world have set high requirements for these operations.
• Error software can remotely destroy sensitive data when a user tries to log in with an erroneous password. This function is widely found in mobile devices as a theft deterrent and a way to protect personal data if the device is stolen.
• When safeguarding your most sensitive electronic data, having a solid data retention plan is just as critical as having a clear data erasure policy. With so much information being produced by businesses, it's more critical than ever to have secure data erasure procedures in place.
• Permanent data erasure software creates reports and certificates of erasure that help your organization meet legal auditing requirements.

What Standards Do Data Erasure Software Use?

With the frequency of data breaches increasing exponentially over the last decade, now it's more important than ever to follow best practices for secure data deletion.

Suppose your company isn't following standard equipment and data disposal processes or is not following secure data destruction methods. In that case, it can lead to security breaches, penalties, and the loss of consumer trust in the long run.

Here are some of the widely accepted standards that data erasure software programs use:

• Air Force System Security Instruction 5020: This is a 2-pass overwriting algorithm, first approved by the United States Air Force. It is one of the most recommended standards globally.
• Aperiodic random overwrite/Random: This data erasure standard randomly overwrites data instead of a static pattern. The data on each sector of the drive is bound to be unique. Verifying the overwrite is necessary for this standard to complete the process.
• Blancco SSD Erasure: This multi-phase SSD erasure technique makes use of all supported SSD security mechanisms. This technology includes multiple random overwrites, freeze lock removal, firmware level erasure, and thorough verification.
• Bruce Schneier's Algorithm: This seven-step procedure overwrites data with 0s, 1s, and a series of random characters.
• BSI-2011-VS: This particular data erasure standard is a four-pass system defined by the German Federal Office of Information Security.
• BSI-GS: This procedure begins with removing hidden drives, such as DCO/HPA, and overwrites data using random data. The next step initiates a firmware-based command based on the drive type, followed by double-checking the write.
• CESG CPA – Higher Level: The National Technical Authority for Information Assurance standard in the United Kingdom follows a three-step process with verification at each stage.
• Cryptographic Erasure (Crypto Erase): This technique calls a cryptographic erasure with the native command, which deletes the encryption key. The encrypted data is effectively impossible to decrypt while stored on the storage device, making the data unrecoverable. Because this approach relies on the manufacturer's native commands, it can only be used if the drive being erased supports them.
• DoD 5220.22-M ECE: This is a seven-pass variant of the DoD 5220.22-M technique. It performs two passes of the DoD 5220.22-M and another pass of the DoD 5220.22-M (C) Standard.
• Firmware Based Erasure: This Blancco-defined standard is a two-step procedure that initiates a firmware command based on the drive type. The verification of writing is the final step in this procedure.

Data Deletion Vs. Data Erasure: Which Is a Secure Method

Data deletion safely deletes data from your device but doesn't completely erase it. When you dispose of data by removing files from your computer, malevolent individuals can still access it. Secure data destruction wipes out data from your devices completely.

Data erasure ensures that your information is unrecoverable. Also, data deletion outcomes are auditable to create proof of erasure. However, this data erasure record is tamper-proof, providing an additional layer of protection from cybersecurity threats.

What are the Most Secure Methods of Data Erasure

Consider the following methods to securely destroy or dispose of data on hard disk drives or the actual site where the data is stored:

• Clearing: Clearing removes data completely, making it impossible for anyone to recover it. This strategy is appropriate for reusing devices within your company.
• Digital shredding or wiping: It uses repeated passes to overwrite data with other characters such as 1 or 0 and random characters.
• Degaussing: A powerful magnetic field is used to reorganize the hard disk drive (HDD) structure. Once it has been degaussed, one can no longer use the HDD.
• Physical Destruction: This approach assures HDDs' secure disposal and destruction by crushing or shredding them hydraulically or mechanically, ensuring that data cannot be recovered or recreated.
• Built-in Sanitization Commands: This method is widely used to delete data from a company's device and allow it to a new joiner.