Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does EraserDisk do?

Q. How does it do this?

Q. Why can’t I just delete the files and flush the recycle bin?

Q. Why does EraserDisk come on a bootable CD?

Q. What is the DoD standard you mention?

Q. If the Short Wipe meets the standard, why does EraserDisk also have a Long Wipe with Format?

Q. What does EraserDisk do?

A. It erases the data on a hard drive so that it cannot be recovered. If you have sensitive data in your computer, it is important to do this before the drive is disposed of or transferred out of your control.

Q. How does it do this?

A. It over-writes the existing data with up to seven passes using a variety of data patterns, and also can do a low-level format that repositions the sector marks.

Q. Why can’t I just delete the files and flush the recycle bin?

A. This hides the data from the operating system, but it is still on the platters and can be easily recovered by someone with the right equipment and knowledge.

Q. Why does EraserDisk come on a bootable CD?

A. Two reasons. First, Windows, DOS or any other desktop operating system is designed to run the disk in the background. The only way a utility like EraserDisk can get direct access to the drive is under an OS designed for this purpose. Second, if the entire drive is being sterilized, at some point the resident OS on the hard drive is wiped out.

Q. What is the DoD standard you mention?

A. This is a manual for government contractors and suppliers, called DoD 5220.22-M. It is issued by the Department of Defense and contains security guidelines for companies doing business with the US Government. The EraserDisk Short Wipe routine meets the requirements in DoD 5220.22-M for cleaning a hard drive.

Q. If the Short Wipe meets the standard, why does EraserDisk also have a Long Wipe with Format?

A. Most agencies that deal with Secret or Top Secret information have their own internal standards that are stricter than DoD 5520.22-M, but these standards are not publicly issued. As far as we know, the Long Wipe with Format meets every agency’s standards for drive sterilization, although some organizations also require the platters to be physically damaged after they have been sterilized. You’ll need to supply your own hammer for that step.

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