Data Erasure
We sanitise mobile devices and hard disks and solid state drives using industry-leading erasure software.
We offer a secure data erasure service, using White Canyon and Blancco software. We can run multiple pass erasure cycles compliant with CESG and NIST 800-88 Rev 1 Standards.
Factory resets and "data wiping" tools do not necessarily erase all data; which can often be retrieved using data recovery apps.
We can erase all types of devices including mobile phones and tablets; and disks (HDD’s / SSD’s) in laptops, PC's and servers.
Flexible Services.
Our Team of Engineers can provide on- and off-site erasure processes, as a stand alone service or in combination with data shredding.
Hardware can be re-marketed with or without an erased hard disk; and the disks can be remarketed without the hardware!
We offer a competitive hardware purchasing scheme for devices and components that are energy efficient and have a market value.
Audit Trails.
An Erasure Certificate is generated for every data carrier erased, which lists the make, model and serial number of the asset.
Any data carrier that fails the process can be identified via its serial number, and securely destroyed and recycled.
We can provide you with every individual Erasure Certificate, as well as an Evidence Note summary.
A bit more info …
What is Data Erasure?
Data Erasure is a different to degaussing or data wiping.
Degaussing uses a magnetic field to wipe any data on magnetic storage, e.g. hard disk drive, or tape; but the data item cannot then be re-used. Degaussing is ineffective on solid state storage, e.g. solid state drives or flash memory.
Galaxy offers an on-site degaussing service, which can be undertaken inside the office, before the data items are taken outside to our shredding vehicle or transported back to our secure facility; as well as off-site and remote services.
How do I know its secure?
There are a variety of different types of data erasure tools available. Some are free, and can be downloaded online; whereas others must be purchased. Some erasure tools are more secure than others.
Data erasure involves over-writing data, but this does not necessarily mean the data is irretrievable; and neither does a factory reset. Data can still be retrieved using data recovery apps.
Galaxy uses a data erasure technique compliant with the NIST 800-88 Revision 1 Standard. This Standard is internationally accepted as a secure method of “data sanitisation” (unlike some other methods of data erasure). NIST 800-88 cycles verify the overwrite process; and unlike other erasure tools, can access hidden areas on the disk, spaces reserved for Logical Block Addressing, and firmware.
Which Erasure Software does Galaxy use??
We use either White Canyon or Blancco.
What if my disk or device can't be erased?
Any disk that fails the erasure process can be identified by its serial number; and erasure can either be attempted again, or the disk removed and destroyed. The Customer receives an Evidence Certificate confirming the erasure of each disk, or its destruction.
We will also inform the Customer if their device (e.g. a mobile phone or tablet) cannot be erased.
Will Galaxy purchase my phone or tablet?
If a device has some market value, then yes! We may offer to purchase it. The device will be securely erased, any asset tags removed, and either reused as a working unit or in component parts.
