Read data on tape

[Xero]

We degauss our backup tapes and want to be sure that no data remains on tape. What is the best way to do this?

Is there software that can attempt to read data on tapes then let you view it?

[Viveki]

What was the OS/utility to create the tape? Check using the same.

[Xero]

Don't know... were given the tapes.
we just need to verify the data is gone.

[Viveki]

you need to know that .... Normally the data written in one Unix cannot be read on windows and vice versa ....

[Dennis Handly]

You may have to physically destroy the tapes, what level of sensitivity is the data?

[Ralf Loehmann_2]

Hello Xero,

when you degauss tapes to erase the data you need to be sure that your degaussing device is strong enough for your tape media. With the newer technologies tape media you might need pretty strong degaussing devices.

You might check the following document:
http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/government/MDG/NSA_CSS-EPL-9-12.PDF

Ralf.