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Ultimate Guide for On Site Hard Drive Degaussing

Amanda Shaw • Oct 21, 2022

Admittedly, it is a common underestimation that wiping a hard drive is already enough to secure proper destruction. Even though many wish it to be, unfortunately, wiping off a hard drive is not the best way to ensure that all your private data is gone. Basically, you need to be more thorough about your hard drive destruction plan. After all, you want to maintain your data privacy and safety from hackers, right? Well, to secure data privacy, you need to do more than wipe your hard drive and prevent the risk of any data recovery. One best way for safe data destruction is on site hard drive degaussing. Indeed, hard drive degaussing is one of the reliable ways as it destroys the data using a degausser machine.

Now, the question is, what is hard drive degaussing, and how does it work? As already mentioned, hard drive degaussing is possible, thanks to a degausser machine. Also known as an effective demagnetizing process, on site hard drive degaussing is a reliable way of permanently deleting data, promoting safety. To do it, the professional must expose the hard drive platter and spindle the IT asset. That's why no one can reuse a degaussed hard drive because that degausser works by disrupting and eliminating the magnetic fields stored on a hard drive. 

In addition, safe hard drive degaussing is the best primary step in hard drive disposal before destroying or shredding the hard drive, extra preventive measures to keep data privacy and security. With that being said, you must not be satisfied by just reformatting your hard drive because it might seem to destroy your data but will not guarantee you secure data destruction. Of course, we will talk more about on site hard drive degaussing. But before that, let's explore more the significant reasons hard drive destruction is important and a must. So, without further ado, let's get deeper. Read on to learn more.

computer hard drives

Importance of Hard Drive Destruction Through Degaussing

As tempted as you might be, you must always pay attention to hard drive destruction instead of tossing your hard drive into ordinary garbage or recycle bin. Surely, tossing your hard drive into the garbage or recycle bin won't guarantee secure data destruction. Unfortunately, your hard drive will only add to the problems of e-waste. You might not think that your data is sensitive or confidential, but once it gets to the wrong hands, you might not imagine the threat you can suffer from. Hence, it is much more the damage and threat are for the companies who don't practice proper hard drive destruction and disposal, right?

Besides data privacy and security guarantee that hard drive data will no longer be recoverable, here are some other significant reasons hard drive destruction like degaussing and shredding are important and necessary. Explore them below:

To save space.

Just imagine if you will not need your old hard drive and already have a new one, where do you want to store the old one if you don't destroy it? Undeniably, keeping your old hard drive with you is not a practical decision if you will consider your space. In fact, a useless, old hard drive will only accumulate dust and dirt. Of course, throwing or giving your hard drive to anyone is also not an option. That also applies to companies. Therefore, partnering with a reliable computer service company to do an effective on site hard drive degaussing is the best. After all, there's no reason not to trust the experts if you aim for an efficient and safe method of destroying data. 

To comply with the law. 

Due to alarming data breaches from unsecured hard drive destruction, some states have strict laws to prevent data breaches from happening. Basically, data breaches are unsafe and frustrating. Plus, it is hard to stop them once hackers have landed on important data. Of course, you don't want to experience the grace threat you can encounter with the hackers, right? Even without a strict law, you must always follow safe and secure hard drive destruction because it only takes skills to recover something from a damaged hard drive in e-waste landfills. More importantly, if you are part of a company, you must also support proper e-waste disposal, including computer hard drives. 

To help the environment. 

e-waste disposal

By not tossing your hard drive into the garbage, you can reduce e-waste as you are not contributing to it. In a way, you must know that you are greatly helping the environment by choosing to degausser and shred your hard drive. Also, it is important to mention that burning your old hard drive can assure you of unrecoverable data. However, it is not the best method, considering the environment's safety, as burned hard drives can release harmful chemicals and toxic fumes. In fact, the burning method is harmful to the environment and the living, including animals and you. 

To keep the client's trust.

Suppose you are working with many clients' confidential data. In that case, you always need to follow secure hard drive degaussing and shredding to assure them that their private data are always protected. More importantly, on site hard drive degaussing only takes a very short time, so it will not interfere with any of your work if that is your concern.

After knowing the importance of hard drive destruction, let's find out the difference between site hard drive degaussing from off site. You don't need to do anything and just keep reading.

On site vs Off site Hard Drive Degaussing

When you contact your computer service company partner, you will have to choose between on site and off site. But what is the difference between them? Well, for on site hard drive degaussing service, it is the company that will go to your location. By that, they will degauss your hard drive right there and then, given that you already said the needed details for the efficient hard drive destruction process. With that being said, you will witness that whole process at your convenience. 

On the other hand, when you choose off site hard drive degaussing, you need to give your hard drive to the computer service company. By that, they will transport your hard drive to their facility. For computer service companies, this method is more beneficial and cost-effective. 

Why Choose On Site Hard Drive Degaussing?

Even though off site hard drive degaussing is also ideal, it is not completely harmless to transport your hard drive to the company's location due to possible risks. So, why don't you choose what's safer and more convenient for you? Getting the degaussing company professionals to your location is very beneficial, especially since you can witness everything without any problem. Since the degaussing professionals are within your promises, you can be hands-on at ensuring safety. 

hard drive destruction

In addition, you don't have to worry about trusting strangers to do the necessary work. At the very least, you will know the competence of the IT professionals by choosing the on site hard drive degaussing. After all, you don't want just anyone to handle your hard drive, right? Nevertheless, degaussing won't be too long. Hence, you don't have to feel burdened supervising the process. All in all, you can always ease your mind for data security and privacy with on site shredding service

Significant Factors to Consider with Hard Drive Degaussing

After knowing the on site hard drive degaussing will benefit you the most, don't be too fast in finding a trustworthy computer service company because you also need to know the significant factors to consider with hard drive degaussing. Following are some of that:

Type of hard drive

Indeed, the hard drive has different types, and each has features that make it distinct from others. Some hard drives feature massive storage, and others only have a limited capacity. Also, it is important to cite that the stored data present on the hard drive will determine the amount of time for its degaussing process. That's why it is truly beneficial to know the type of hard drive you want to degauss. 

Allocated budget

If you worry about spending too much on your on site hard drive degaussing, it is best to think about your allocated budget. It will guide you to find the best computer service company that will not rip you off. Thankfully, many companies are out there to give you outstanding service, like Abtron Computer Services Inc. To know how much the service is, get a free quote today. 

Compatibility of the degausser

Determining the type of hard drive you want to degauss will help find its best compatible degausser. After all, no degausser is built to be compatible with all hard drive types; they primarily differ in their magnetic field strength. The degausser with heavier magnetic field strength is suitable for a hard drive with a higher storage media volume. 

secure data destruction

Have a Safe On Site Hard Drive Degaussing with Abtron 

Indeed, knowing that there are many significant factors to consider for on site hard drive degaussing, you might feel overwhelmed to start the process. Luckily, Abtron Computer Services Inc. can help you every step of the way. We can offer you a simple and precise guide to the basics of degaussing to know how you can get started. Plus, we also have top-notch quality degaussers to give peace of mind about our service's efficiency.

Need other data IT asset disposal and secure data destruction equipment? Worry no more because we also provide up-to-date computer-related equipment. So, to know more about our services, visit our website or call us at 416-661-7503. 

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