Three Degaussing Options

Degaussing is the process of erasing a hard disk or backup tape, typically using a powerful magnetic field that removes all traces of data. The word “degauss” itself means to neutralize a magnetic field. It works exactly like the degauss button on old CRT monitors, except that the emission can run as high as 11,500 gauss.

The Whitaker Brothers Datastroyer 102-DG is a powerful degausser that requires you to dismantle a hard disk but at a much cheaper price point than a bulk degausser.

There are three main degaussing methods available. The first is a wand that can be used for hard disks and tapes, such as the Whitaker Brothers Datastroyer 102-DG Disk Erasing Wand (www.whitakerbrothers.com). The wand emits a magnetic field that removes data in one swipe and offers extra mobility for data centers. Administrators don’t have to set up a degaussing station that uses precious data center space and can go to the end user to perform data swipes on a laptop, desktop, or other devices before reuse.

The second method is a bulk eraser, such as the Fujitsu Mag EraSURE (www.fujitsu.com), that removes data from hard disks and tapes in about 60 seconds per device. These powerful, large-footprint degaussers work with Type II media and hard disks up to 3.5 inches high and can be operated unattended so that administrators are able to work on other tasks. Some bulk degaussers use a belt to move disk and tape media into the unit through the magnetic field, and others have a cavity where you set the disk into the degausser for erasure.

A third method involves software degaussers, such as Ibas ExpertEraser (www.experteraser.com), that perform some of the same data-eliminating functions as a hardware degausser yet cost much less and can be configured to wipe data on many different types of media, including floppies, flash disks, hard disks, tapes, and even optical discs.

Why Degauss?

Degaussing provides a high level of security for companies that are concerned about data theft yet don’t want to use disk and tape destruction methods.

The Fujitsu Mag EraSURE is a powerful bulk degausser for erasing multiple hard disks in an unattained operation.

“There has been an increasing focus on the poor handling of discarded computer equipment, as a number of companies and organizations have let highly sensitive information get into the wrong hands,” says Jim Reinert, senior director of software and services for Ibas/Ontrack Data Recovery. “As a result, more businesses are beginning to recognize the need for effective data erasing methods and are investing in degaussers to ensure complete control over destruction of sensitive data.”

The main advantage to degaussing is that the process returns data devices and tapes to a reusable and recyclable state without any of the typical concerns over security or comprising business data. There are environmental and cost benefits for most companies, as well. Yet, one critical issue is that the degaussing process is sometimes a misunderstood practice at some small and midsized companies. Data centers might rely on a lower-cost bulk degausser that does not penetrate the storage medium effectively. They balk at the jaw-dropping $3,000 price tag for high-end bulk degaussers. Or, untrained IT managers operate degaussing equipment incorrectly, performing the magnetic swipe for an insufficient period.

“Erasing a disk requires some skill and knowledge about whether a hard disk or tape has been properly degaussed according to the device specifications,” says Ron Carboy, president of Peripheral Manufacturing, a 26-year-old company based in Denver, Colo., that specializes in data storage security products.

Part of the confusion has to do with the DoD (Department of Defense) and NSA (National Security Agency) guidelines for safe data destruction. According to Carboy, the DoD degausser approval process involves a manufacturer sending in a device for testing, suggesting the test process, and then the DoD making sure the device meets expectations. He suggests that there is no formal process for making sure a manufacturer meets a predetermined testing criterion, so data centers should examine product literature carefully to understand how data is magnetized.

That’s another common misconception about degaussers, due to how hard-disk technology has changed. “In the old days, tapes and disks were coated with gamma ferric oxide, which is easy to erase and change the flux at 750 oersted [a measure of magnetic field strength],” Carboy says. “Today most tapes are made of metal particle oxide, which is hard to erase and change the flux and requires 4,000 oersted. People think they can purchase a cheap or inexpensive degausser to erase the tape or hard drives.”

Warranty length is also a critical factor. Peripheral Manufacturing offers a limited lifetime warranty, compared to the more standard 12-month warranty. In the end, erasing data is a critical step in security, as long as you know the specifications, the process, and the differences in technology and methods.

by John Brandon