14.6 Data Destruction and Disposal

Question 1

High-level format

Answer 1

Formatting method that removes the pointers to the data on the drive, but not the data on the drive. The high-level format is the standard format that’s done through the operating system tools.

Question 2

Low-level format

Answer 2

Formatting method that writes new sectors and tracks to the drive and is typically done by the manufacturer when the drive is first assembled.

Question 3

Degaussing

Answer 3

Hard drive destruction method that purges the entire hard disk all at once by exposing it to an extremely strong magnetic pulse.

Question 4

Certificate of destruction
(COD)

Answer 4

Document that details the method and date of a hard drive’s destruction along with the chain of custody.