Data Erasure - Software Overwriting

 Data erasure is a certified, software-based method for permanently removing data from digital storage devices. It works by overwriting all stored information with patterns of random binary data (typically zeros and ones) and then verifying the success of the process. Unlike physical destruction, data erasure preserves the functionality of the device, allowing it to be safely reused or resold — without risk of data leakage.

Data erasure is one of the three internationally accepted methods of data sanitisation (alongside degaussing and physical destruction) and is fully compliant with leading global standards, such as NIST 800-88, ISO/IEC 27040, and DoD 5220.22-M.

Many people mistakenly believe that certain common methods are equivalent to secure data erasure. However, these approaches are incomplete and unreliable when it comes to fully eliminating data from storage devices. They lack the essential steps of verification and certification, and there is no guarantee that the data is truly irrecoverable.

Examples of inadequate data sanitisation methods include:

• Deleting files
   
• Reformatting drives
   
• Performing a factory reset
   
• Basic data wiping tools
   
• File shredding software
   

While these actions may remove data from view, they do not meet the standards required for proper data sanitisation — and can leave sensitive information exposed to recovery.