subject: Guide To Degaussers [print this page] Guide To Degaussers Guide To Degaussers
What is Degaussing?
Degaussing takes its meaning from Johann Gauss (1777-1855) a mathematician who studied and worked on electro-magnetic fields. It is used today to describe the process of erasing magnetic media i.e., removing from that media, remnants of previously recorded signals. Data is stored in magnetic media, such as hard drives, floppy disks, and magnetic tape, by making very small areas called magnetic domains change their magnetic alignment to be in the direction of an applied magnetic field. Degaussing magnetic media leaves the domains in random patterns with no preference to orientation, thereby rendering previous data unrecoverable. A degausser is therefore used to completely erase all audio, video and data signals from magnetic storage media.
How It Works?
Erasing data through degaussing is one of the most secure ways to eliminate information on magnetic computer tapes and hard drives. Degaussing refers to when a magnetic field using an alternating field of sufficient intensity saturates the media. The field is then slowly withdrawn or reduced and the media is left in a magnetic neutral state, or erased. Degaussing also erases the servo a program installed on the hard drive by the manufacturer, rendering the drive completely useless.
Different media demand varying magnetic field strength; therefore the coils that generate the magnetic field will also vary depending on this requirement. Generally speaking, a coil is a degausser which should have two to three times the energy rating of the material being degaussed. Where media has a security classification, Restricted, Confidential, Secret or Top Secret, a considerably higher energy rating will be required. This rating is measured in Oersteds after Hans Christian Oersted (1777-1851) who discovered the magnetic qualities of electricity. Further degaussing efficiency can be achieved by using more that one coil in multi-axial orientation; this produces a more effective degaussing field. Even better performance can be achieved by rotating the coils or the media during the degaussing process.
Why Is The Use Of A Degausser Important?
Within the past several years, laws have been passed outlining stricter guidelines and greater penalties for data security, making it illegal for companies and organizations to carelessly or irresponsibly dispose of any critical or personal data. Such laws include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Companies can no longer simply throw away computer tape or hard drives because it is illegal to do so not only because of the loss of critical data, but also because of environmental pollution.
These new laws provide for greater monetary penalties and for stricter legal obligations. Using a properly-rated degausser has become an absolute requirement.
Hard drive degaussing has become a necessary function for most companies as they endeavour to protect their information. In today's increasingly litigious world, the use of a degausser provides a safe and effective means of magnetic media data security for individuals, organizations, corporations and government agencies.
