Data erasure

Data erasure (also called data clearing or data wiping) is a software-based method of overwriting data that completely destroys all electronic data residing on a hard disk drive or other digital media. Permanent data erasure goes beyond basic file deletion commands, which only remove direct pointers to data disk sectors and make data recovery possible with common software tools. Unlike degaussing and physical destruction, which render the storage media unusable, data erasure removes all information while leaving the disk operable, preserving IT assets and the environment.

Software-based overwriting uses a software application to write patterns of pseudo-random meaningless data onto all of a hard drive’s sectors. There are key differentiators between data erasure and other overwriting methods, which can leave data intact and raise the risk of data breach or spill, identity theft and failure to achieve regulatory compliance. Many data eradication programs also provide multiple overwrites so that they support recognized government and industry standards. Good software should provide verification of data removal, which is necessary for meeting certain standards.

To protect data on lost or stolen media, some data erasure applications remotely destroy data if the password is incorrectly entered. Data erasure tools can also target specific data on a disk for routine erasure, providing a hacking protection method that is less time-consuming than software encryption. Hardware encryption built into drive firmware and integrated controllers is now a popular solution with no degradation in performance at all.

The firmware can encrypt at 256-bit full AES encryption faster than the drive electronics can write the data. Drives with this capability are known as self-encrypting drives (SED) and are present on most modern laptops and are increasingly used in Enterprise to protect data. Changing the encryption key will make all the drive data inaccessible so is an easy and very fast method of achieving 100% data erasure. Theft of an SED will induce physical asset loss, but data on the drive is inaccessible without the decryption key which is not stored on the drive.

DT Asia provides focused security solutions and services that secure your data at rest, data in motion and data in use. We provide best degaussing service in Singapore, Hard Disk Crusher, NSA degausser Singapore, DoD degausser Singapore, hard disk destruction singapore,erase hard disk singapore, secured hard drive destruction singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Degaussing magnetic data storage media

Degaussing magnetic data is the process of decreasing or eliminating a remnant magnetic field.

Data is stored in the magnetic media, such as hard drives, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, by making very small areas called magnetic domains change their magnetic alignment to be in the direction of an applied magnetic field. This phenomenon occurs in much the same way a compass needle points in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field. Degaussing, commonly called erasure, leaves the domains in random patterns with no preference to orientation, thereby rendering previous data unrecoverable. There are some domains whose magnetic alignment is not randomized after degaussing. The information these domains represent is commonly called magnetic remanence or remanent magnetization. Proper degaussing will ensure there is insufficient magnetic remanence to reconstruct the data.

Erasure via Degaussing magnetic data may be accomplished in two ways: in AC erasure, the medium is degaussed by applying an alternating field that is reduced in amplitude over time from an initial high value (i.e., AC powered); in DC erasure, the medium is saturated by applying a unidirectional field (i.e., DC powered or by employing a permanent magnet). A degausser is a device that can generate a magnetic field for degaussing magnetic storage media

Irreversible damage to some media types

Many forms of generic magnetic storage media can be reused after degaussing, including audio reel-to-reel tape, VHS videocassettes, and floppy disks. These older media types are simply a raw medium which are overwritten with fresh new patterns, created by fixed-alignment read/write heads.
For certain forms of computer data storage, however, such as modern hard drives and some tape backup drives, degaussing renders the magnetic media completely unusable and damages the storage system. This is due to the devices having an infinitely variable read/write head positioning mechanism which relies on special servo control data (e.g. Gray Code) that is meant to be permanently embedded into the magnetic media. This servo data is written onto the media a single time at the factory using special-purpose servo writing hardware.

The servo patterns are normally never overwritten by the device for any reason and are used to precisely position the read/write heads over data tracks on the media, to compensate for sudden jarring device movements, thermal expansion, or changes in orientation. Degaussing magnetic data indiscriminately removes not only the stored data but also the servo control data, and without the servo data the device is no longer able to determine where data is to be read or written on the magnetic medium. The medium must be low-level formatted to become usable again; with modern hard drives, this is generally not possible without manufacturer-specific and often model-specific service equipment.

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Degaussing Services in Asia

Degaussing Services

Degaussing services are becoming vital services for ending of data life in storage media. Information leakage is a major threat to all organisations. IT departments often spent millions of dollars on access security, anti-virus and intrusion-protection. This security fortress becomes inadequate when dealing with information leakage via data storage sanitization. DT Asia has the capability, competency and track record to provide organisations with effective data leakage protection solutions.

DT Asia’s secure data sanitization processes are ISO 9001:2008 certified, the first in its class in Singapore, signifying our commitment and priority to organisations’ security needs.

DT Asia’s secure data sanitization service covers all forms of electronic data storage media, which includes hard drive, magnetic tape, audio/video tape, optical media, flash media, static storage media, floppy and Zip cartridge, etc.

Besides data sanitization or degausing services, DT Asia also provides complete IT asset disposal solutions. Our capabilities include the management of the complete disposal process of asset verification, secure data sanitization and asset de-classification, proper destruction and disposal.

DT Asia provides a high quality degaussing service based on ISO 9001:2008 Certified – Secure Electronic Data Erasure & Destruction Services. We provide a quality checking process to demagnetizes the disk so that all data stored on the disk is permanently destroyed. Thus making the disk impossible to be recovered by any recovery tools available.

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Secure Data Destruction

Data Terminator offer various Secure Data Destruction Services

Hard Disk & Tape Sanitization

One of the key solutions to eliminate the risk of data falling into the wrong hands is to degauss hard drives prior to disposal. Hard drive degaussers use powerful magnets or an electromechanical “pulse” to erase data from hard drives. Similarly, tapes should also be properly degaussed before disposal.

In fact, DoD Requirements call for hard drives to be degaussed in an NSA listed Degausser and then physically destroyed prior to disposal.

CD/DVD Optical Media Destruction

Destroying CD/DVD Optical Media doesn’t have to be a problem.

Data Terminator has a variety of machines to meet NSA/CSS Specifications for CD/DVD Optical Media Destruction.

IT Asset Disposal

Proper IT asset disposal is becoming more and more important not just on the environmental issues but also on data confidentiality.

Many organizations do not have the dedicated resources or the bulk quantity to justify the investment of procuring the equipment. They may choose to outsource such destruction and disposal. Outsourcing can be affordable and safe when done properly. If you choose this option, ask what methods will be used, where your items will be kept prior to destruction, or if there are any on-site services, what happens to destroyed waste, and what proof you will get that those items were actually destroyed.

Data security is an ongoing process, by being aware of the threats and understanding the destruction options, you will be in a much better position to protect your business and yourself. You will have complete peace of mind that you have left nothing behind.

Data Terminator provides complete IT asset disposal solutions. Our capabilities include the management of the complete disposal process of asset verification, secure data sanitization and asset de-classification, proper destruction and disposal.

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Enterprise Security Solutions

Enterprise Fraud Management

Enterprise Fraud Management (EFM) is a solution for detection of any suspicious activity or fraud incident in the Enterprise environment.

SSH Communication Security

SSH Communication Security providing an overall coverage for secure access communication on a network. This include monitoring, auditing, and controlling access of the communication.

User Activity Auditing & Monitoring

Keep track of the administrator or end user activity from a centralize management. It also covers user access to remote servers, virtual desktops, or networking devices, and records these activities

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Detection

APT detection is a live memory analysis that detects and analyzes threats on compromised endpoints. Contrary to the antivirus or IDS approach of matching suspected malware or traffic patterns with known malware signatures, the live memory analysis agent gives the analyst a view from a centralized console of what is happening inside the computer’s memory. This view can quickly expose a malware infection, regardless of whether a signature exists or not.

Network Access Control

Network Access Control (NAC) provides a network with the mandatory extra layer of protection for all existing security policies. It allows the Network Administrator to configure access parameters for the physical network ports and determine which devices are allowed access. It is an approach to computer network security that attempts to unify endpoint security technology (such as antivirus, host intrusion prevention, and vulnerability assessment), user or system authentication and network security enforcement.

DB Security

A Unified Database Solution including: Security, Caching, Auditing and Masking. The solution features a high-availability configuration to ensure business continuity. It has a broad range of security controls to protect databases (potentially including the data, the database applications or stored functions, the database systems, the database servers and the associated network links) against compromises of their confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Endpoint Security.

The End Point Data Protection Suite delivers complete visibility, control, and protection of enterprise endpoints. It provides a comprehensive data protection solution in a single product, with a single management server and a single, lightweight agent.

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Secure Storage Devices

Data Terminator offers Secure Storage Devices

Aegis Secure Key – USB 2.0 Flash Drive

Encrypted USB Flash Key with PIN access

Quick Overview

Military grade Full-disk AES 256-bit CBC Hardware Encryption
PIN activated 7-15 digits – Alphanumeric keypad use a memorable number or word for your PIN
Dust and water resistant
No software or drivers required
OS and platform independent – compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and embedded systems
Works with any USB/USB On-The-Go devices

Aegis Padlock – USB 3.0

Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access

Quick Overview

Secure PIN Access
Integrated USB 3.0 cable – Data transfer speeds up to 10X faster than USB 2.0
Choice of real-time 128-bit or 256-bit Military Grade AES-XTS Hardware Encryption
Software free design – No admin rights required
Compatible with any OS – Windows, Mac & Linux

Aegis Padlock DT – USB 3.0 Desktop Drive

Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive with PIN Access

Quick Overview

Secure PIN Access
Choice of real-time 128-bit or 256-bit Military Grade AES-XTS Hardware Encryption
Solid Aluminum Enclosure
Software free design – No admin rights required
Compatible with any OS – Windows, Mac & Linux

Apricorn Padlock – USB 2.0

Encrypted Hard Drive with PIN Access

Quick Overview

Secure PIN Access
Allows up to 10 PIN Passkeys
Choice of real-time 128-bit or 256-bit Military Grade AES Hardware Encryption
Integrated USB cable
Software free design – No admin rights required
Compatible with any OS – Windows, Mac & Linux

Aegis Padlock Pro – eSATA | USB 2.0

Encrypted Hard Drive with PIN Access

Quick Overview

Secure PIN Access
Real-time 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption
Ultra-fast eSATA and USB interface for data transfer rates of up to 90MB/sec
Software free design – No admin rights required
Compatible with any OS – Windows, Mac & Linux

Information leakage prevention service

Information leakage is a major threat to all organisations. IT departments often spent millions of dollars on access security, anti-virus and intrusion-protection. This security fortress becomes inadequate when dealing with information leakage via data storage sanitization. Data Terminator has the capability, competency and track record to provide organisations with effective data leakage protection solutions. Information leakage prevention is critical for your business.

Data Terminator’s secure data sanitization processes are ISO 9001:2008 certified, the first in its class in Singapore, signifying our commitment and priority to organisations’ security needs.

Data Terminator’s secure data sanitization service covers all forms of electronic data storage media, which includes hard drive, magnetic tape, audio/video tape, optical media, flash media, static storage media, floppy and Zip cartridge, etc.

Besides data sanitization, Data Terminator also provides complete IT asset disposal solutions. Our capabilities include the management of the complete disposal process of asset verification, secure data sanitization and asset de-classification, proper destruction and disposal.

When a file is erased or deleted from your computer, the actual data in the file is not gone forever. The space utilized by that file is simply marked as “free” for use by other data. The case also applies to hard disks which are spoilt or with bad sectors. The fact is your data is still lurking in those hard disks that have no operational use.

Many people would think that once other data is written in that space, the original data becomes gone forever. However, with data recovery tools readily available, it is now possible to recover data even after it has been written over a few times.

Data Terminator provides secure and comprehensive data sanitization equipment and services with full compliance and quality to give our customers complete peace of mind. The secure data sanitization equipment used are all NSA-certified and our data sanitization process is ISO-certified.

Degaussing FAQs

Q: What is Physical Drive Destruction?

To positively prevent data from recovery; disks can be removed from disk drives and broken up, or even ground to microscopic pieces. DoD 5220.22M recommends degaussing followed by physical destruction of the storage medium (the magnetic disks) for data classified higher than Secret. Even such physical destruction is not absolute if any remaining disk pieces are larger than a single 512-byte record block in size, about 1/125″ in today’s drives. As linear and track densities increases, the maximum allowable size of disk fragments become ever smaller. Destroyed disk fragments of this size can be image restored by magnetic microscopy.

Some storage products are more easily destroyed than hard disk drives, such as magnetic disk data cartridges, tape cartridges, secure USB drives, and optical media.

Q: What is Non-destructive Data Erasure (Data Sanitization)?

Non-destructive data erasure supports wiping and permanently cleaning for all traces of deleted files and folder, administrator documents and other similar files or folders for maintaining computer privacy and enhancing system performance. It deletes all the data, free space, slack space, deleted memory chunks of data even if they’re not existing in a file, removes huge files stored on HDD of Windows OS and any removable media and cannot be recovered or restored by any data recovery software.

Q: What is Sanitization of Data?

Data Sanitization is the process of erasing (sanitizing) or destroying sensitive information in storage devices to meet legal compliance requirements thereby protecting user data from unauthorized use.

Q: What is Degaussing (or Demagnetizing)?

Degaussing is the process for reducing the magnetization of a magnetic storage device to zero by applying a reverse (coercive) magnetizing force, rendering any previously stored data unreadable and unintelligible, and ensuring that it cannot be recovered by any technology known to exist.

Q: What is Coercive Force?

A negative or reverse magnetic force applied for the purpose of reducing magnetic flux density.

Q: What is a degausser?

Degausser is an electrical device or permanent magnet assembly which generates a coercive magnetic force for the purpose of degaussing magnetic storage devices or other magnetic material. In order to be effective in sanitizing data, the degausser needs to be evaluated by an authority (e.g. US DoD, NSA/CSS) to meet the *oersted strength as claimed by the manufacturer.

*Oersted: A cgs unit of magnetic field strength, symbol: Oe. Oersted is a measurement applied to magnetic media.

Q: What is Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM)?

The Magnetic Force Microscope is a variation of the Atomic Force Microscope, capable of providing high resolution, 3-dimensional images of magnetic fields. Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) technology can be used to probe magnetic storage media like hard disk and magnetic tapes for data residue.

If the magnetic data storage media such as hard disks and magnetic tapes have been completely degaussed, there will not be any data residue on the hard disk.

Q: What needs to be sanitised?

CDs and DVDs

Hard Drives

All forms of Magnetic Media, e.g. backup cartridges, tapes, zip disks and floppy disks

Optical and Flash Drives, e.g. thumb drives and memory storage cards

Q: How then to ensure that data are erased securely?

Degaussing – Using secure data destruction equipment such as hard drive degaussers to permanently eliminate data from magnetic media. Hard drive degaussers use powerful magnets or an electromechanical “pulse” to erase data from hard drives. In fact, DoD requirements call for hard drives to be degaussed in an NSA listed Degausser and then physically destroyed prior to disposal.

Shredding – Using secure data destruction equipment to completely pulverize and reduce the media to dust.
Disintegration – Using secure data destruction equipment to destroy bulk materials into particles that cannot be reconstructed.

Q: Does physical destruction of hard disk drives make the data unrecoverable?

Hard disk drives can be removed from the computers, smashed, broken up, drilled holes and even shredded to smaller pieces to prevent the data from being recovered. However, even such physical destruction is not absolute if any remaining disk pieces are larger than a single record block in size, about 1/125″ in today’s drives (Note that as the linear and track density of magnetic recording increases the resulting recoverable pieces of disk must become even smaller if all chances of data recovery after physical destruction alone are to be zero).

By physically destroying the outer surface of the hard disks does not ensure that the data are properly sanitized/degaussed. Data can still be recovered by a process known as MFM (Magnetic Force Microscopy) ‏

Q: Why the need to ensure that electronic data in storage media are securely erased and destroyed?

By simply discarding obsolete or damaged storage media, traces of sensitive information that are being left behind can be recovered easily. This compromises the security of the confidential data.

HDD Hard disk drive Crusher

HDD Hard disk drive Crushers

SEM Model 0101 Sledgehammer Hard Drive Crusher

This hard drive “crusher” destroys all hard drives regardless of their size, format or type up to 1.85″ High including desktop, laptop and server drives.

NEW…..In models purchased after 08-15-11 ( Serial number 1404 or greater) hard drives mounted in caddies or with rails or handles less than 9″ deep that are used in rack mounted server environments can been crushed without having to disassemble the drive from the caddy, rail or handle.

At the touch of a button, the Model 0101 Sledgehammer Hard Drive Crusher delivers a staggering 12,000 pounds (or 490K PSI ) of force to a conical punch causing catastrophic trauma to the hard drive chassis while destroying the internal platter. The unit is quiet, smooth and virtually vibration free. Destruction takes only 8 seconds ( can destroy up to four laptop drives in one 8 second cycle ).

A safety interlock prevents operation of the hard drive crusher while door is open to protect operators and an emergency e-stop immediately halts operation when pressed.

SEM Model 0100 Sledgehammer Manual Hard Drive Crusher

No power required manual operation. This hard drive crusher meets the physical destruction piece of the NSA Degauss and Destroy Requirements when used with an NSA approved degausser. Up to Three Tons ( 6,000 Lbs ) of crushing force is exerted on hard drives. Destruction time is five seconds.

Datastroyer ACD Automatic Crushing Device

Hard Drive Destruction

Basic Specs of the Datastroyer ACD Automatic Crushing Device

Hard drive sizes: 1”, 0.65”, 1.65”, laptop and 1.8”
Typical Commercial Drives: approx. 4 lbs. exertions
Hardened (Heavy Shielded): approx. 12 lbs. exertion
Operating time: approx. 8 seconds or less per drive, dependent on operator
Destruction method: bends platter, damages heads, motor and circuit board
Power: 100 to 250 VAC
50 or 60 Hz (specify voltage when ordering)

Weight: approx. 49 lbs (shipping weight approx. 64 lbs)

Dimensions: 21″H x 7.25″W x 11-5/8″D (13″W with handle)

Features of the Datastroyer ACD Automatic Crushing Device

Rugged Design
Tested and used by the NSA and DOD for destroying hard drives
Green and Environmentally-friendly
adapters available to accommodate additional drives
automatic operation for hands free hard drive destruction
If power goes out, manual crank can continue destruction
One year parts warranty

Datastroyer MCD Manual Crushing Device

Hard Drive Destruction

Basic Specs of the Datastroyer MCD Manual Crushing Device

Hard drive sizes: 1”, 0.65”, 1.65”, laptop and 1.8”
Typical Commercial Drives: approx. 4 lbs. exertions
Hardened (Heavy Shielded): approx. 12 lbs. exertion
Operating time: approx. 8 seconds or less per drive, dependent on operator
Destruction method: bends platter, damages heads, motor and circuit board
Weight: approx. 35 lbs (shipping weight approx. 50 lbs)
Dimensions: 16″H x 7.25″W x 9.25″D

Features of the Datastroyer MCD Manual Crushing Device

Rugged Design
Tested and used by the NSA and DOD for destroying hard drives
Green and Environmentally-friendly
No power required
easy hand crank operation
One year parts warranty

HDD Hard Disk Drive Eraser

WipeDrive

WipeDrive is an erasure that able to wipe all data from your hard drives in accordance with some well-known standards such as (DoD 5220.22-M, HMG IS5 Baseline, HMG IS5 Enhanced, Canada Ops-II, US Army AR380-19, US Air Force 5020, German VSITR, NAVSO P-5239-26, NCSC-TG-025, Russian GOST P50739-95) making it unrecoverable.

By completely erase your hard drive, it protects your identity and other personal information, when buying, selling or throwing your computer away. It may also improve your system performance.

Hammer

• NIST Approved – Hammer erasure tool is compliant with NIST 800-36 and 800-88

• Supports Multiple Devices At One Time – Hammer erasure tool is able to process up to 4 hard disks at once

• All-In-One Device – Hammer erasure tool can not only erase, but also, partition, format and image source data to each of the drives.

The Hammer is a hard disk drive erasure tool. The device will securely erase all data written to the attached drives, up to 4 drives at once.

Both PATA and SATA interfaces are supported. Secure Erase is implemented allowing guaranteed, uninterrupted erasure of all data stored on the media.

If a drive does not support the secure erase command, NIST 800-36 and 800-88 compliant data erase methods are used.

Once each connected device is erased, the user can configure the system to partition, format and image source data to each of the drives.

Once the process has been started, the Hammer will execute each step until complete.

Hammer is a one step tool that will erase all data from a drive and prepare the drive to be redeployed into service.

Features:

• Secure Erase / Pattern Erase
• Auto Partitioning / Auto Formatting
• Auto Image Copy
• NIST 800-88 Compliant / NIST 800-36 Compliant
• SATA and PATA interfaces
• High Speed UDMA transfers
• Verify after complete
• Portable
• Up to Four Drives at one time
• USB 2.0 for storing and printing verification logs

Benefits

• Provides peace of mind that confidential data will not fall into the wrong hands.

• Meets data sanitization standards set by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and The US Department of Defense