Degaussing is a process used to permanently erase data from magnetic storage media, such as hard drives, tapes, and floppy disks. This method utilizes a powerful magnetic pulse to neutralize the magnetic fields on these devices, making the stored data completely irretrievable in just seconds.

Importance of degaussing 

Degaussing is essential for secure data destruction, especially when handling sensitive information. Approved by the National Security Agency (NSA), degaussing is a reliable method for eliminating data across all classifications, including Top Secret. This process safeguards against data theft, unauthorized access, and misuse by ensuring that decommissioned storage media is thoroughly cleansed. 

Key benefits of degaussing 

• Rapid data erasure: Achieves complete data destruction in mere seconds.
• Versatile application: Effective on both operational and non-operational drives.
• Clean operation: No dust or debris, making it ideal for office environments.
• Quiet and cost-efficient: Operates silently and requires less labor and energy compared to other methods.
• In-house usability: Can be performed by existing personnel without specialized training or equipment.
• Environmentally friendly: Low energy consumption and recyclable.

How degaussers work 

Hard drives store data magnetically on disk platters, each consisting of billions of tiny magnetic grains that encode data as binary code (1’s and 0’s). The drive’s read/write head detects these magnetic fields as the disk spins, allowing the computer to interpret and display the data.

A degausser creates a strong magnetic field that disrupts the magnetic domains on a hard drive, thereby erasing the data stored on it. This process is swift, taking less than a second, and does not necessitate that the drive be functional or connected to a computer.

To effectively sanitize a hard drive, the degausser must generate a magnetic field stronger than the drive’s coercivity (measured in oersteds). Modern drives generally require a field of at least 5,001 gauss to completely erase data. This powerful magnetic pulse neutralizes the magnetic patterns, ensuring permanent data removal.

Types of degaussers 

1. Capacitive discharge degaussers: The most common type, these devices store energy in capacitors and release it in a pulse to erase data, similar to a camera flash.
2. Rare-earth magnet degaussers: Less common due to their size and weight, these devices produce a continuous magnetic field and erase data by passing the storage media over the magnet.

Which intimus degausser is right for YOU? 

intimus offers a range of degaussers tailored to different needs. All intimus degaussers are highly effective for erasing modern hard drives and tapes, with models providing magnetic fields from 10,000 gauss (1 tesla) to 40,000 gauss (4 tesla). These degaussers ensure that data on hard drives and tapes is obliterated in seconds, giving you peace of mind that the data cannot be recovered, even with advanced forensic techniques. By using an intimus degausser in-house, you ensure that sensitive data is permanently destroyed and cannot fall into the wrong hands.   

Comparing degaussing to other data sanitization methods

Degaussing vs. Overwriting

Overwriting involves writing new data over old data, a process that can take hours or even days and requires the drive to be fully operational. Degaussing, in contrast, is instantaneous and effective regardless of the drive’s condition.

Degaussing vs. Incineration

Incineration destroys data but requires extremely high temperatures (over 670°C) and produces hazardous waste. Degaussing is a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative.

Degaussing vs. Shredding

Shredding media into small pieces can still leave behind retrievable data. With modern drives storing vast amounts of data on tiny particles, degaussing ensures that all data is completely removed before any shredding takes place.

Degaussing is the most efficient and safe method for cleaning data from magnetic media (hard disks, tapes, floppy disks). It guarantees that the data is irrecoverable and the storage media can be safely recycled or disposed of. Recognized by the NSA and the US Department of Defense, degaussing is a reliable solution for protecting sensitive information. The intimus' range of degaussing devices ensures optimal data destruction.