Andmeõhutuse

Andmeõhutuse, often translated as data sanitization or data erasure, refers to the process of securely destroying or wiping data from a storage device so that it cannot be recovered by any means. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information when a device is retired, repurposed, or disposed of. Simple deletion of files or formatting a drive is insufficient, as residual data can often be retrieved using specialized software or techniques.

There are several methods of andmeõhutuse. Physical destruction, such as shredding or melting, offers the most secure form of data erasure, rendering the storage media completely unusable. For devices that need to be reused, software-based methods are employed. These involve overwriting the data on the storage device with random patterns or specific sequences of data multiple times. Common standards for overwriting include DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann, which specify the number of passes and the patterns to be used. Another method is degaussing, which uses a powerful magnetic field to erase data from magnetic storage media like hard disk drives, though it is not effective for solid-state drives.

The choice of andmeõhutuse method depends on the sensitivity of the data, the type of storage media, and whether the device needs to be preserved for future use. Compliance with various regulations and industry standards often mandates specific data sanitization procedures to prevent data breaches and protect privacy. Implementing proper andmeõhutuse practices is an essential component of overall data security and lifecycle management.