DIN 66399 is the standard for the destruction of data carriers; H-5 refers to the mechanical destruction of hard drives in a high security level. The standard distinguishes according to the type of data carrier, with „H“ standing for hard drives with magnetic data carriers, and according to seven security levels. Level 5 is intended for data to be kept secret. Second IT destroys hard drives in-house using shredders in accordance with DIN 66399, security level H-5, so that reconstruction of the data is impossible. SSDs, USB sticks, and other storage media are also mechanically shredded. Each destruction is documented in full detail, and to date Second IT has destroyed around 120,000 data carriers.
If a data carrier is functional, certified erasure is usually the more economical option; it is destroyed when deletion is not possible or not desired. The software-based Data deletion removes data securely and makes the device unusable so that it can be reused or sold. This generates revenue and prevents waste of electrical equipment. Mechanical destruction is the correct solution for defective data carriers that cannot be technically erased safely, or when your internal requirements require physical destruction. Both methods can be combined in a single order: functional devices are erased and marketed, defective media are destroyed. In both cases, you receive a certificate for each data carrier.
Second IT destroys data carriers exclusively in-house in its own secure facilities; no transport to external locations takes place. The destruction areas are protected by physical access controls and 24/7 video surveillance; the process is monitored in real time. Until destruction, the data carriers are stored in highly secure storage rooms with controlled access. Delivery is made via our secured, GPS-monitored Security logistics by direct drive. This keeps control of your data carriers from the pickup point until final destruction in one hand, without any transfers to third parties that could create gaps in the chain of evidence.
After destruction, you receive a destruction certificate that documents the proper destruction of your data media according to DIN 66399. This is based on serial number tracking: Each data media is individually registered before destruction, so you can ensure that no medium was overlooked. The documentation is auditable and designed to meet the requirements of GDPR and BSI. It is therefore suitable for internal audits and compliance checks as well as for evidence against customers and business partners. The process itself is externally certified; an overview of Second IT’s certificates can be found on the page. Certificates.
After destruction, the remaining materials are separated and recycled. Valuable raw materials such as metals and plastics are recovered through certified processes, and non-recyclable components are safely disposed of. Because Second IT is a certified waste disposal company and operates an environmental management system according to ISO 14001, this step is also carried out professionally and documented. In this way, you combine maximum data security with a contribution to the circular economy: The data is irretrievably destroyed, the raw materials remain in the cycle, and as little electric waste as possible is generated. To learn how complete old equipment is disposed of, read below. Waste disposal.