PIN code data destruction is especially handy because after you enter the PIN the device destroys the encryption key and appears blank when it boots up, offering plausible deniability. High-end encryption devices - such as the Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3z - will have a built-in data destruct feature where you enter a PIN code or run a program that will securely wipe the device. Use high-end storage with built-in data destruct features If the data on your PC, external storage, or flash drive is encrypted (and the encryption is legit, and assuming you've chosen strong passphrases and the like), then the data is likely unrecoverable to third parties.
Sometimes, as is the case with a PC or external storage system, you might be able to remove the drives before returning the device for repair (assuming it's not the storage that's died).Īnother option open to for many devices is to encrypt all your data. Some will point you to a privacy policy, others will allow you to physically destroy the device before returning it (common for smaller items like microSD cards and the like). If this is something that you're worried about then the best thing to do is to ask your vendor in advance what their policy is and buy based on what the answer you get is. You might not be able to get access to it, but someone else could. Data can be recovered off most storage devices if you are willing to throw money at the problem. You could rely on the face that the device is dead, and that your data is inaccessible, but that's probably not the case. What do you do if you have to return something under warranty but there's data stored on the device? The time that wiping storage devices gets complicated is when the device is broken or malfunctioning in some way.įor example, a hard drive that dies, or a storage card that can no longer be accessed. What about storage that's defective but under warranty? If you're not sure which are the flash storage chips, just drive a nail through all the large chips to be on the safe side. Usually, this means taking the cover off the drive before you start swinging. Don't hold the drive in your hand because if the drill bit catches and the drive starts to spin - or "helicopters" - on the end of the drill then there's a real risk of injury.Īnother thing to bear in mind is that the data in SSDs is held on small flash storage chips rather than large platters, and to securely erase the data you need to smash the chips. I aim for the spot marked by the red Xs on hard drives.Īlternatively you can use a power drill to make holes, but make sure that you have a way to securely hold the drive, for example, using a vice. Ideally you want to put a nail through the platters of the drive, going all the way through (it's actually not as hard as it sounds). Eye protection - you've only got a maximum of two to start with, so it's silly to take chances!.A block of wood - so you don't nail the drive through your floor (it's preferable to do this outside if you can).Thick gloves - because you're going to be hammering that nail through the drive using the hammer, and hammers seem to be magnetically attracted to thumbs.A thick nail (a 6-inch nail will do fine).A hammer (I use my trusty 32oz "fine adjustment" hammer).This method also works great if you just want to destroy drives before you take them to the recycling plant.
Not sure how to erase a device? I guarantee you that if you get a big enough hammer and spend enough time hammering, this will work on anything!