In the technological era, data is the main asset for businesses and individuals. However, over time some data becomes unnecessary, so there is a need to delete it.
Complete erasure of the data is a more challenging process than many users imagine. Simply tapping the “delete” button or dragging the file to the recycle bin or trash is not enough. These actions will only make the data unseen, but it still will be stored on your device.
There are several options, however, which can help a user to erase the data for good. Physical destruction, overwriting, and formatting are considered effective ones. There is also a degaussing option, which is the safest option to destroy your data from the storage device.
What is Degaussing?
Degaussing is a permanent data erasure technology applicable to memory devices based on magnetic media, including hard disk drives, magnetic tapes, and floppy disks). It provides rapid data removal from media where it is impossible to apply any other methods.
The degaussing technology of data erasure is based on the polarization of the Weiss domains. The process of writing data to this media is based on the theory developed by Pierre Weiss. The data is stored on hard disk drives and tapes using a magnetic field applied to small areas called magnetic domains, also called Weiss domains.
When writing the information on a device, the magnetic field engraves a verse that orients the magnetization of a specific number of Weiss domains. These verses are associated with 0 and 1-bit values.
So, when the demagnetization occurs on the magnetic media, the ordered Weiss domains generated when writing the data loses their order. By displacing the domains, the degausser erases the data from the magnetic device.
Degausser is an efficient tool for the degaussing process. A magnetic field of such power guarantees the successful destruction of data from magnetic devices.
The higher the degausser’s power is, the greater its efficiency and the possibility of using it on newly developed hard disk drives and tapes.
Using this technique for data erasure is more efficient than overwriting or physical destruction. The erasure process takes a standard time that does not depend on the media type or its storage capacity. However, the disadvantage of using this option is that the device can not be used after the demagnetization, as magnetic platters lose their power.
Degauss a Hard Drive or Other Storage with PITS
PITS provides businesses and individuals across the United States with reliable and secure data destruction services. Our company understands the importance of the safe and complete erasure of data from the device. Therefore, we perform the complete data deletion using various techniques and methods.
The goal of PITS company is to provide its clients with the most suitable and effective solutions. Therefore, before starting an erasure from a storage device, we collect all the requirements of the customer. For various needs, we find an individual erasure approach.
Our team offers overwriting or degaussing options if a customer wants to delete the data leaving no sign of it. We go with the degaussing option when a client specifies that the magnetic device will not be in use.
PITS does not stay in one place and regularly develops its erasure solutions. We constantly develop our facilities and renew equipment to provide the highest level of service. By using the latest tools and working in advanced labs, we ensure the safety of your confidential data.
Advantages of Our Choosing our Hard Drive Degausser:
24/7 Emergency Service Availability
So if you're facing a data loss situation, don't hesitate to contact us. Our 24/7 data recovery services are available to you, 365 days a year. Let us help you recover your precious data today.
Over 50 Locations Across the US
We offer data recovery services from over 50 locations across the US. This means that no matter where you are located, you can access our services and get the support you need to recover the data.
Certified Data Recovery Laboratories
So if you're facing a data loss situation, look no further. With our certified data recovery labs and 99% success rate, we are confident that we can recover your precious data and get you back on track.
ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom
Our engineers work in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of your device. We recover data in ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom and achieve high results.
Risk-free Evaluation and Assessment
We start the recovery process with a risk-free evaluation. Our technicians estimate reasons for data loss and the level of damage. Based on it, we select the most suitable recovery strategy.
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate
With years in the data recovery industry, our company supports the highest customer satisfaction rate. We do everything to provide a positive experience for our clients.
Our engineers are specialized in data destruction. In addition, they regularly attend qualification courses to be able to deal with any erasure case. This way, we can delete data from any storage device.
Data erasure is a complicated process that requires precision, data security, and attention. Our company will provide it for your case. So, when there is a need to erase a hard drive or tape data completely, entrust your device to us. We also offer data erasure for solid-state drives, flash drives, memory cards, and other media.
With more than 50 locations throughout the country, PITS is ready to help you anywhere you are. To start the data erasure process, you can approach one of our drop-off points or offices. You can also fill in the form below or call our customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is degaussing?
Degaussing is a process used to erase or neutralize magnetic fields in electronic media, such as hard drives, tapes, or floppy disks. It involves exposing the media to a strong magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic patterns and renders the data unreadable.
Why would I need to degauss electronic media?
Degaussing is often necessary when you want to permanently erase data from magnetic storage devices, ensuring that the information cannot be recovered. It is commonly used when disposing of or repurposing sensitive or confidential data-bearing media.
How does degaussing work?
Degaussing works by exposing the magnetic media to a powerful alternating magnetic field. This field effectively demagnetizes the storage medium, erasing the previously stored data. The process disrupts the magnetic alignment and reduces the signal strength, rendering the data unreadable.
Can degaussing be used to selectively erase specific files or data?
No, degaussing erases the entire magnetic medium, including all data stored on it. It is a bulk erasure process that affects the entire storage surface uniformly. If you need selective erasure, using software-based data wiping methods would be more appropriate.
Is degaussing a secure method for data destruction?
Yes, degaussing is considered a highly secure method for data destruction. By effectively erasing the magnetic fields on the media, it makes the data nearly impossible to recover using standard data recovery techniques. It provides peace of mind when disposing of or repurposing magnetic media that may contain sensitive or confidential information.
Can a hard drive be used after degaussing?
No, a hard drive cannot be used after degaussing. Degaussing involves using a powerful magnetic field to erase the data on a magnetic storage device, such as a hard drive. This process effectively wipes out all the data, rendering the hard drive unusable for storing or retrieving information. Once degaussed, the hard drive needs to be reformatted and have data written onto it again before it can be used.