Cheap Bulk Eraser for Hard Disks?

cute-boy asks: "Recently I had to replace some hard disk drives from the same batch which had failed, while still under warranty. Because the drives were no longer recognized by the SCSI controller, it was not possible to erase the data on them. In view of the sensitivity of the data contained upon them, and the chance this was still forensically recoverable, our company decided to buy new drives rather than risk the disclosure of their contents by returning then to the supplier. How would you non-destructively (physically) destroy data on a hard disk without access to a bulk eraser? Obviously in this case it's a bit late to be thinking of using encryption."

Comments

Call the manufacturer,

[loraksus]

And explain your concerns. Some manufacturers have a policy where you only return part of a drive (usually the cover) if you don't want your sensitive data to be transported.

Once you get the replacement drives, take them to the range and fill them with bullet holes. A 2 3/4" 12 gauge slug should take out a quarter of the drive at a time. Or fill with 9mm holes - when hit, the platter around the entry hole gets pulled out.
A .22 from a rifle will work as well, but you'll need to put a dozen rounds through it.
If you hit the drive on the edge dead center with an 8mm, the drive should be able to stop the bullet, which transfers a lot of energy to the case and sends the drive flying 50+ feet down range.

Tons of fun. Much faster and easier than sledge hammers.

Re:Why no physical?

[queenb**ch]

Your choices are:

1) $2000 degausser
2) $50 for a really nice sledge hammer from home depot (shock absorbing handle)

Since they were willing to spring for replacment drives rather than risk data disclosure, I'd opt for the sledge hammer. You can buy a lot of hard drives for $1950.00.

Consider it therapy for the geeks...

2 cents,

QueenB