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Festplattenlocher (Deformation)
In brief
A hard drive punch is a device that mechanically destroys hard drives by pressing a mandrel or ram through the housing and data platters, deforming them in the process. The hard drive is no longer functional afterwards. Under DIN 66399, however, this method only reaches low security levels because large parts of the platters remain intact.
How a hard drive punch works
The hard drive is placed in the device. A hydraulic or mechanical ram presses through the drive, bends the platters and damages the read head and motor. This is quick, quiet and can be done right in the office. Simple drilled holes have a similar effect.
The problem: large, undamaged areas of the platters remain between the holes. In principle, data can still be read from them using laboratory methods. DIN 66399 assigns methods that only damage or deform a hard drive to the lower security levels. The standard only requires reduction to particles from level H-4 onward (Security level per DIN 66399).
Classification
| Method | Result | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling or punching | Data carrier damaged or deformed | Low protection requirement |
| Hard drive shredder | Particles, e.g. ≤ 320 mm² at H-5 | High protection requirement |
| Certified deletion | Data removed, device usable | Functional drives |
A hard drive punch is unsuitable for SSDs: the memory chips are small, and a hole may not hit any of them. Which level your data requires is explained in the guide DIN 66399: Which safety level your hard drives need. Second IT destroys data carriers in-house in accordance with DIN 66399, certified for security level H-5, with a certificate of destruction.
Frequently asked questions about the hard drive punch
Is a punched hard drive securely destroyed?
It is no longer functional, but only destroyed at a low security level. For personal data with a high protection requirement, companies usually choose shredding to H-4 or H-5.
Can I destroy SSDs with a hard drive punch?
This is not advisable. SSDs store data on small chips that a hole easily misses. DIN 66399 has its own, significantly stricter levels for flash memory.
Is there proof for punched hard drives?
Only if you create it yourself, for example with a list of serial numbers. With a service provider, you receive a certificate of destruction for each data carrier.
What is the difference between a hard drive punch and a hard drive shredder?
A punch damages and deforms the hard drive, but large parts of the platters remain intact. A shredder, on the other hand, reduces it to particles. Only this method reaches the higher security levels of DIN 66399 and suits a high protection requirement.
When is a hard drive punch sufficient?
Only for a low protection requirement. The punch works quickly, quietly and right in the office; the hard drive is no longer functional afterwards. Under DIN 66399, however, it only reaches low security levels. It is unsuitable for SSDs.
Destroy hard drives to DIN 66399 H-5 – with certificate.
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