Data Tape Erasure
Permanent erasure goes beyond basic file deletion. Unlike degaussing and physical destruction, which leave the storage media unusable, data erasure removes all information while keeping the disk operable.
There are key differences between data erasure and other overwriting methods, which can leave data intact and raise the risk of data breach, identity theft or failure to achieve regulatory compliance. Many data eradication programs also provide multiple overwrites so that they support recognized government and industry standards.
Data Eradication for Media with Servo Tracks
How we destroy data on LTO, 3590, 3592, 9840, 9940, and T-10000 data tapes:
All of the above-mentioned tapes contain magnetic reference tracks which are pre-written by the media manufacturer. Without these servo tracks, the tape drive cannot function correctly. Bulk erasing one of these data cartridges will erase all of the servo tracks, and make the cartridge completely unusable.
Erasing the data tracks, but not the servo tracks
The goal in erasing tape, therefore, is to eliminate the data, but not the servo tracks. There are several servo tracks on a tape, with the data tracks between the servo tracks. Our proprietary software-drive process completely eradicates all data by overwriting to a predefined standard, from 1 to n passes, in every bit position, and on every track, in varying patterns over the entire length of the tape with multiple passes.
Erasing the data entirely
You want your “erased” data to be 100% unrecoverable. To test our ability to erase the data, we encourage our clients to send us a test tape. We will eradicate the data, ship the tape back to you, and you will see the results yourself.
Track record speaks for itself:
With 1000’s of clients, we have built a very strong bond of trust with our used tape clients and certified media customers. We guarantee the security and confidentiality of your data. We handle tens of thousands of pieces of media each month. We have never had one instance or breach of data security – Ever.
Department of Defense Eradication Standards
Regarding digital media, it requires that storage contain no residual data from the previously contained object before being assigned, allocated, or reallocated to another user. Specifically, the DOD 5220.22-M standard requires overwriting with a pattern, then its complement and, finally, with another pattern, such as overwriting first with 00110101, followed by 1100 1010, then 1001 0111. This standard requires a minimum of complete three overwrites.