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Data Deletion vs. Data Erasure: Key Differences and Security Implications

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Data deletion and erasure are two different terms – they may sound the same but have different meanings. In data deletion, data is recoverable, while data erasure is permanent. These two terms are confusing and may cause issues, so businesses must understand these terms carefully. 

Most are confused by the definition of data erasure and think that reformatting and ‘the delete button’ are secure erasure methods, but they aren’t! Still, most organization users believe this is a safe method to secure the data from risk and data breach. Many companies who provide data recovery in Sydney help you to protect your data from any risk.

More data Greater risk

Organizations are transmitting, storing and transporting more data than ever before. In 2015, the global volume of data was 33 ZB, and the prediction comes that the number is increasing to 175 zettabytes of data worldwide. The corporate world holds a great value of data, which carries a great deal of risk. If an organization deals with more data, the risk exposure is greater.

Kinds of data:

  • Customer data: It allows the data to identify the specific person, such as phone numbers, addresses, account numbers, financial data, and social security numbers. It also covers medical and payment data records, including personally identifiable information (PII).
  • Employee data: This is the same as customer data. Employee details are included with their salary and performance reviews.
  • Corporate data: It includes all the information related to the business. This includes research and development data, marketing information, merger and acquisition, financial results, and operational information etc.
  • Formatting and deleting VS erasure:

The common misunderstanding is that formatting a drive is the safest way to secure data from erasing.  It is more reliable than simply deleting the files if the operating system marks the area as deleted so overwriting can occur; only then is that formatting made. You cannot see anything on the screen, but the data is recoverable. Data Recovery in Sydney offers a complete range of restoration services.

 Recycle bin: This deletion method is often mistaken by many as it is a way of erasing data with the use of a recycle bin on a laptop and desktop. Any file you send to a recycle bin is not erased from the bin; the files are hidden from view, but they continue to exist on the hard drive, and files can be recovered by using data recovery programs.

Tools of data erasure:

  • Software

Data erasure software will permanently remove your data, including PCs, hard drives, servers, data centers, and smartphones. Effective data erasure software helps the organization to reuse, recycle, and resell its entire media securely.

  • Degaussers

Degaussers are a process of decreasing or eliminating the magnetic field. It is a permanent method of data eraser and is mainly recognized as a high security of disposal. 

  • Shredders

It is effective and safe for destroying HDDs, SSDs, smartphones, and mini-tablets. It is certified as the highest security level that destroys certain storage media quickly and reliably.

Organizations should understand the difference between the tion and erasure of securing sensitive data. It may be simple, but there is still confusion surrounding the correct data protection method. If you need a quick solution to any complex project or want to repair any issue, ITechnology Australia is here to provide the best solutions.