Whether you’re upgrading IT assets, clearing out storage, or preparing equipment for resale, one thing must always come first: data security. Simply deleting files or formatting a drive is not enough to protect sensitive data from recovery.
Here are industry-recommended best practices for securely erasing drives, especially SSDs and memory cards, so you can confidently dispose of or resell old hardware.
1. Understand the Risks of Incomplete Erasure
Standard file deletion or even disk formatting doesn’t fully remove data, it just marks sectors as “available.” With the right tools, that data can often be recovered. For any business, especially those handling customer or institutional data, this poses a major privacy and compliance risk.
2. Use Manufacturer Secure Erase Tools
Most enterprise-grade SSDs support ATA Secure Erase or NVMe Format NVM commands. These are low-level erasure commands that wipe all cells, including over-provisioned and hidden areas.
Examples:
- Samsung Magician (for Samsung SSDs)
- Crucial Storage Executive (for Crucial drives)
- Intel SSD Toolbox
These are ideal for drives still functional and accessible.
3. Use Professional Erasure Software (For Mixed Environments)
Tools like the following can handle multiple drive brands and interfaces:
- Blancco Drive Eraser (industry certified, used by governments)
- DBAN (for HDDs; not effective on SSDs)
- Parted Magic (offers Secure Erase and NVMe Format options)
Make sure the tool overwrites all blocks and supports verification.
4. Consider Physical Destruction for Faulty or Sensitive Drives
If the drive is no longer working or contains highly sensitive information, physical destruction is safest. This can include:
- Drilling through NAND chips
- Shredding via a certified ITAD service
- Degaussing (for HDDs only not effective on SSDs)
For government or health-related data, physical destruction is often required by law.
5. Follow Canadian Data Privacy Guidelines
Canadian organizations must comply with PIPEDA or sector-specific regulations. These often mandate complete data destruction for retired equipment.
Maintain logs or certificates showing that drives were securely wiped or destroyed, especially if you’re handling third-party or institutional data.
6. Erasure Tips for Memory Cards and USB Drives
- Use tools like SD Memory Card Formatter or Rufus to low-level format cards.
- For sensitive data, avoid reusing USB drives, consider one-time use and destroy.
- Always check if the device supports secure erase through its controller.
Final Thoughts
Proper data erasure isn’t just about security, it’s also about trust and compliance. Whether you’re reselling to a partner or recycling through an e-waste provider, ensure your drives are properly wiped or destroyed.
At MemoryShop.ca, we supply enterprise-grade SSDs and memory products, and we also support secure IT lifecycle practices. Need guidance on tools, software, or compliant disposal? Contact our team today.