Secure deletion

What is meant by Secure deletion?

The term "secure erasure" refers to processes for permanently and completely removing data so that it cannot be recovered or reconstructed. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information stored on storage media such as hard drives, SSDs, or other data carriers. Secure erasure methods ensure that data is irreversibly deleted and thus cannot fall into the wrong hands.

Typical software functions in the area of "secure erasure":

1. Data Overwriting: Application of algorithms that overwrite data multiple times with random or predetermined patterns to destroy the original data.
2. Wipe Logging: Creation of logs that document all performed erasure operations to ensure traceability and compliance.
3. Erasure Certificates: Issuance of certificates confirming that the data has been securely deleted according to established standards.
4. Erasure Algorithms: Implementation of recognized erasure standards such as DoD 5220.22-M, NIST 800-88, or the Gutmann method, which use various techniques for data destruction.
5. Automated Erasure Processes: Automation of erasure operations to ensure consistent and regular data destruction.
6. Integration with Privacy Policies: Alignment of erasure methods with internal privacy policies and legal requirements to ensure all criteria are met.

Examples of "Secure Erasure":

1. Multiple Overwriting: Using methods to overwrite data on a storage medium multiple times with different patterns to prevent recovery.
2. Gutmann Method: Application of a specific data destruction technique that uses 35 overwriting passes to ensure complete data deletion.
3. NIST 800-88 Standard: Implementation of guidelines for secure erasure that provide a comprehensive and proven method for data destruction.
4. Physical Destruction: Combining secure erasure with physical destruction of the data carrier to ensure no data remnants remain.
5. Encryption and Subsequent Erasure: Encrypting data before deletion to ensure that data is not readable before final destruction.
6. Disk Wiping Tools: Using specialized software tools that implement secure erasure procedures to reliably remove data from storage media.