Permanently destroy data inside failed disk

[zerogforge]

Hi Experts,
I'm not really sure this thread is the right of forum place. If wrong place, pls correct me.
The problem is whenever some of mirror disk go bad and then I have to pick up the fail disk to vendor for replace new one but my concern is if my data is very inportant and top secret so how i can ensure that data unable to recover or way to wipe out all data inside fail disk before send disk out to vendor.

[Torsten.]

I'm vry sure all the vendors will ensure to destroy the disks.

However, consider to take a hammer and destroy it yourself ... (and pay more for the replacement).

[zerogforge]

Thanks for reply.
Yes, actually i also think same as you but not for my boss :( so i just want to prevent confidential data from any one out of company especially from vendor. How i can do this?

[Manix]

Run dd command if it runs..as long as it`s run if will destroy some or many blocks ..put a large count size and check if works for you.

[Matti_Kurkela]

If the disk has completely failed (i.e. it presents as NO_HW in HP-UX), then it cannot be wiped by any software, because the disk won't accept any software commands.

There are "disk degaussers" which can erase the entire disk (or several disks) instantly, by subjecting them to an electromagnetic pulse. Of course, this may/will damage the electronics of the disk too, but do you care?

However, degaussers powerful enough to reliably erase modern disks are rather expensive: for the price of one degausser, you could pay quite a few "failed disk not returned to vendor" fees.

MK

[zerogforge]

Matti, you are right of my subject :) and also gave me good view. However, may you give me more information about price of one degausser to compare, or web url link information then i can walk throug. Thanks

[Hakki Aydin Ucar]

yıu can google lots of degausser, one of them here;
http://www.degaussers-erasers.com/

[Zinky]

Put disk inside microwave - set on low. Micro for 30 seconds.

;^) -- just kidding of course (but you technically CAN -- but BEWARE!)

In the first place though - if you are not storing data on IT system storage systems without encryption - then that may very well be a serious flaw in yuor systems -- if you store critical/sensitive info on them. This is already the 21st Century and practicaly all IT systems have a feature of encrypting data on any storage without being a big hassle to performance or management thereof.

If you have a large number of failed disks that you want to ensure data is completely wiped out -- then engage a data destruction company -- there are lots of those that handle IT systems retirement and recycling.

[Steven Schweda]

Destroying all the data is easy. Red heat,
acid bath, grinder ... -- many effective (and
inexpensive) methods are available. However,
all the best methods will void the warranty
(typically by destroying the disk drive),
making it pointless to return the disk (or
what's left of it) to anyone.

What would a new disk drive cost? What would
it cost if someone recovered your data from
the old drive? How confident do you wish to
be that you have really destroyed your data?

[zerogforge]

thanks all to give your good view :), now i get some idea according to all of your responses.

[Don Mallory]

Check with your vendor. Many of them have secure disposal provisions, such as the one Seagate has, which allows you to send back the controller and disk armature, but the spindles can be left at your site.

Then you can use a hammer (large press) or other preferred method of destruction.

Oh, and degausers don't work unless they are of a VERY significant size. Someone I worked with held a disk on one for over 2 hours, we plugged it back into the machine and booted just fine.

Best regards,
Don