Domain 2: Asset Security; Memory and Remanence

Question 1

Does degausing work on flash drives?

Answer 1

No.

Question 2

Does degausing work on SSDs?

Answer 2

Degaussing has no effect on SSDs.

Question 3

How is data overwritten on SSDs?

Answer 3

Data is not overwritten on SSDs, instead the device will write data to an unused block and mark the previous block unallocated. A process called garbage collection later takes care of these old blocks.

Question 4

What is the TRIM command?

Answer 4

The TRIM command improves the performance of garbage collection, but does not reliably destroy data.

Question 5

What are the two valid options for destroying data on SSD drives?

Answer 5

ATA secure erase and destruction. Destruction is the best method for SSD drives that are physically damaged.