What is the best way to destroy an SSD hard drive to erase all its data?
First, it’s important to comprehend how the more modern SSD differs from the older HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
The only option for your computer or laptop up until very recently was an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which have been available commercially for several decades. For file storage, modern computer users have the option of HDD or SSD (Solid State Drives).
The data is stored on a spinning platter with a magnetic coating inside an HDD. Non-volatile storage is defined as data that does not “disappear” when a computer is turned off. You can use a degausser to scramble the recorded bits of data, rendering it unreadable, in order to eliminate this kind of data.
Although SSDs perform a similar role as HDDs, they store data differently, making them unsuitable for degaussing erasure. Since SSDs do not use magnetism to connect their memory chips, there isn’t actually a single foolproof method to entirely erase the data like there is for HDDs (degaussing).
Wiping SSDs to Dispose of Them
Although Solid State Drives perform relatively well compared to Hard Disk Drives, security-conscious users must understand that erasing the data is not as quick or simple. There are programs that, for instance, erase the SSD with zeros, but they may take hours to complete because they must repeat the process numerous times. Additionally, it doesn’t deal with the issue of flawed disks and can only be applied to one disk at a time, thus it doesn’t provide a solution for owners of numerous drives. Successful disk wiping is difficult and time-consuming for the typical person.
SSD Disposal Using a Shredding Machine
The memory chips in the drive are physically destroyed by shredding, making it impossible for a computer to read them. For the majority of consumers, this assurance that their data is secure from unauthorized access is adequate. However, it does not offer the level of security required for top-secret information, such as that owned by governments. Transporting SSD to a shredding center is required for shredding, which is typically performed by specialized destruction businesses. As drives leave the data owner’s property and travel to the shredding business, security concerns could arise.
How to Destroy an SSD Using a Cruncher
The SSD can also be physically destroyed by being crushed and broken with a device like the Crunch 250 from Verity Systems. Drive owners can buy a unit and utilize it inside their own facility, maintaining full control over their data, because it is a smaller machine than an industrial shredder. The unique Data Destruction Auditor program can also be used with the Crunch 250 to create a record of all media destroyed in a format that can be saved or printed, providing written proof of media destroyed for audit reasons.
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