Hard Drive Physical Destruction – Is It a Good Option?

Read time: 3 minutes

Hard drives store crucial data, making it imperative for users, particularly businesses, to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Consequently, both private and governmental entities employ various methods to securely erase data from hard drives.The first step they perform is to delete data permanently from PC. Destroying hard drive data through physical means is one of the most straightforward methods; however, it may not be the most effective or optimal solution.

In this discussion, we will explore the hazards and environmental repercussions associated with physically destroying data. Additionally, we’ll introduce a highly efficient data eraser tool designed to securely eliminate all confidential information.

Why is the physical destruction of hard drives dangerous?

There are several compelling reasons why the practice of physically destroying hard drives is both outdated and hazardous. Some of the key rationales are outlined below:

• Toxic waste generated
  When you attempt to delete files permanently from your Windows recycle bin, no waste is produced.However, when hard drives undergo physical destruction, such as being shattered with a hammer, subjected to drilling, or subjected to various DIY techniques, they result in the production of a substantial quantity of electronic waste. This poses a significant global problem that contributes to the generation of hazardous waste and disrupts the delicate ecological equilibrium.

  In 2018, a United Nations report revealed that a total of 50 million tons of electronic waste were produced, with just a mere 20% being recycled or repurposed.

• Hard Drives can be reused
  Thoroughly removing sensitive information from your hard drive not only creates available storage space for potential reuse but also promotes responsible data disposal. Keeping a spare hard drive on hand is a wise practice, as aging or unused hard disks that may no longer serve your needs can be valuable assets to others. In remote regions where acquiring new hard drives may be financially challenging, these older hard drives can provide essential resources to individuals in need.
• Can cause data leakage
  While degaussing hard drives may initially seem like a cost-effective means of eliminating sensitive data, it can actually prove to be the costliest option. The optimal shredding width for disposing of a discarded hard drive is 2mm or smaller. Frequently, businesses neglect to fragment the drive into these smaller components, leaving the potential for data leakage even from a single large broken piece. Specialized tools are available that can swiftly recover data from damaged chips, posing a significant risk to data security.

Destroying hard drives poses inherent risks. Fortunately, there are alternative methods for securely erasing vital information from these drives, mitigating the potential for data leaks. This can be achieved by employing a range of data erasure tools readily available in the market, ensuring data is completely wiped out without causing harm to the environment or the threat of data exposure.

One such professional tool is Kernel File Shredder. The shredding tool is exceptionally effective at obliterating sensitive data. It utilizes robust algorithms to irreversibly shred files, rendering any restoration attempts futile. It can effectively erase data from various storage media, including SSDs, USB drives, hard drives, and memory cards. Moreover, it boasts an automated file shredding feature, allowing users to schedule file shredding tasks for convenient execution.

Read Also : How Reliable and Safe are Online File Shredders?

Summary

The practice of physically destroying hard drives is not environmentally sustainable, but it remains a common practice among many companies. Additionally, some individuals resort to DIY methods for physically destroying drives in their homes. Opting for readily available professional tools presents the most secure and cost-effective solution for eliminating unwanted data. This approach not only safeguards the environment but also ensures that the data is rendered irrecoverable.