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In brief
Erasure software is a program that removes data on data carriers in such a way that it cannot be recovered and logs the process. Professional solutions usually start independently of the operating system, detect hidden areas, use the drives' firmware commands and generate a certificate per data carrier. In IT decommissioning, it is the tool that allows devices to remain reusable instead of being destroyed.
What good erasure software should be able to do
| Function | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Support for HDD, SSD, NVMe and mobile devices | Every storage type needs a suitable method |
| Detecting hidden areas (HPA, DCO) and reallocated sectors | Otherwise data outside the visible area is retained |
| Firmware commands such as Sanitize or Secure Erase | On SSDs, they also reach spare blocks |
| Verification | Checks whether the erasure was successful |
| Tamper-proof report | Proves method, result and serial number |
| Central management | Bundles reports from many devices for audits |
Distinction from the file shredder
One File shredder overwrites individual files during operation. It does not replace a complete erasure of a data carrier, because copies, temporary files and spare blocks may be retained. For decommissioning, you need software that covers the entire data carrier and from which an Erasure report is generated. Which methods suit which drives is described in the guide Securely erasing hard drives and SSDs.
Second IT is a Blancco ITAD Gold Partner and erases HDDs, SSDs, servers and mobile devices with Blancco. Each device receives a digitally signed erasure certificate with details such as erasure duration, algorithm and number of overwrite passes.
Frequently asked questions about erasure software
Is free erasure software enough for company devices?
For the erasure alone, sometimes yes. Usually, however, support for all storage types, verification and a tamper-proof proof per device are missing.
Can erasure software erase defective hard drives?
Only to a limited extent. If a data carrier cannot be addressed completely, secure erasure is not possible. Then destruction remains.
What is in an erasure report?
Among other things manufacturer, model and serial number, method, start and duration, verification result and any errors.
What is the difference between erasure software and a file shredder?
A file shredder overwrites individual files during operation. Copies, temporary files and spare blocks may be retained. Erasure software for decommissioning, by contrast, covers the entire data carrier and generates an erasure report.
How can I tell whether erasure software also erases SSDs correctly?
It should explicitly support HDD, SSD, NVMe and mobile devices. For SSDs, it should use firmware commands such as Sanitize or Secure Erase, because these also reach spare blocks. It should also check the result and generate a tamper-proof report.
Professionally erased with Blancco – certificate for every device.
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