So what lengths do we need to go to in order to ensure that our data is securely removed?

The answer, in short, is that there is no easy method of permanently removing data from a storage media. This does not make it impossible, but does mean that you will normally have to obtain expensive software to help in the task.

In order to completely erase data on a drive it is best to overwrite the original several times but not necessarily using the same methodology on each rewrite. Using a method that involves numerous passes over the data either using specialist software or with a manual process that adheres to recognized data erasure standards will under most circumstances guarantee that the data has been successfully erased.

There is software available that can help in the task but many people prefer to leave data elimination to professional services as they will at least understand the exact processes that need to be followed to ensure complete elimination of any data and the chance of it falling into the wrong hands.

Apart from software and manual deletion there are more robust methods of data disposal which is commonly know as data destruction. This involves the complete destruction of the disks to the point where recovery would be impossible.

If you wish to attempt this yourself, it is important to note that the platters within the device should be completely destroyed, this means bending, scratching, smashing, shattering or whatever else seems reasonable to completely annihilate the hard disk platter.

Always remember deleting a file does not remove your data beyond the point of recovery. Formatting a hard disk, even full formats/low level formats do not guarantee complete data erasure. Re-installing an operating system does not get rid of your data either. The only reliable method is the multi-pass method.

If your data is business critical or extremely sensitive, always ensure that you can have the data certifiably removed from the storage media, whether that media be Flash Memory device, a hard disk drive, a RAID Array, Floppy Disk or CD / DVD Optical Media often only a professional can help you.

Your local data recovery company will be able to advise you on safe hard drive recovery data disposal methods and will probably have a local service. data recovery and data disposal should always be left to professional operators who are happy to certify their work.

Choosing the right data recovery company is vital to ensure your data has the maximum chance of being successfully restored.

The company that gets your vote should have dedicated Data recovery staff that are professionally trained for the required task

It should certainly not be something they do as a background activity, so don’t be afraid to ask some very pointed questions.

A true data recovery lab will be able to successfully recover data from Servers, Laptop’s, Desktop’s, CD/DVD’s and all other types of storage media, not simply just from a failed hard drive

They should be up to date with the latest hard drive technology and Raid recovery techniques and if top tier will also conduct their own research and development.

If they are leaders in data solutions they should also be able to offer a full gamut of data recovery services including full server and raid recovery capabilities. If the company are an industry leader they will also offer a call out service as this is often a key requirement for server and raid data recovery.

Frighteningly some companies will only have a basic workbench to recover your data, you want to ensure at the very least they have a certified (preferably certified to ISO class 3 standards) clean room.

If the recovery company need to strip your drive to effect a repair you need to get the data back as quick as possible in most cases so if the company do not have their own lab you may find your drive will need to be shipped abroad.

Suffering a data loss has been known to make a business go under but no matter how urgent the situation do your self and your business a favour and make sure you are giving your data to a company that has the best capability to get it back for you.