how to properly wipe hard drives?

[kali]

We have old computers and backup drives laying around that I need to get rid of. But I've read that even formatting hard drives doesn't completely erase all the files and I'm concerned about security. Does anyone know how to really wipe hard drives so that I can ecycle them securely?

[Liziz]

It's the not fancy way, but it definitely works.....either take a hammer or a drill to them. That's what I've always done with mine. I'm assuming they're toast if you're talking about recycling them (vs. giving away to someone else or something) -- so usually the hammer/drill method is the easiest and you're 100% sure you did it right.

[o_mom]

We have old computers and backup drives laying around that I need to get rid of. But I've read that even formatting hard drives doesn't completely erase all the files and I'm concerned about security. Does anyone know how to really wipe hard drives so that I can ecycle them securely?

I used a freeware overwrite utility, but I don't recall which one. It may have been Eraser (though SDelete and CCleaner sound familiar and of course there is the infamous BleachBit). You can google to find which ones work with your OS. After you delete everything, they write over the whole disk with random data.

Recent articles: http://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-securely-erase-hard-drives-hdds-and-solid-state-drives-ssds/

https://www.geckoandfly.com/4037/permanently-delete-data-from-hard-drive-usb-thumb-drive-and-sd-memory-card/

[PunkyBoo]

It's the not fancy way, but it definitely works.....either take a hammer or a drill to them. That's what I've always done with mine. I'm assuming they're toast if you're talking about recycling them (vs. giving away to someone else or something) -- so usually the hammer/drill method is the easiest and you're 100% sure you did it right.
I had a cyber security class at work recently. Someone asked the instructor what to do with old cell phones and he said he keeps his old one in a drawer for a little while in case he needs it, then he literally takes a hammer to it. He said that's the only way. He acknowledged that there are charities that request old phones but he said even a full wipe can't get it fully "clean" and out of the risk.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Baby Bargains mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)