The basic difference is that in degaussing the physical state of the hard drive is not altered, even after degaussing the hard drive will look the same, whereas obviously the shredder completely breaks it into small pieces. Also a degausser is a light weight inside the office table top device whereas a shredder is a heavy stand alone equipment which is better if used in a back office utility room.
The process of shredding and degaussing achieve the same goal of destroying information. However, they do it in different ways. Depending on your needs, one method may be better for you over the other.
What is Hard Drive Destruction
Hard drive destruction is the process of shredding the drives which completely destroy the information. When it comes to shredding, all of the information saved onto your hard drive is physically destroyed. Your old hard drive are torn apart completely, piece by piece, and this ensures nothing is still accessible.
Shredding ensures complete data destruction. Additionally, it offers the most security out of any method. In addition, as quantity increases, the price per drive goes down.
What is Hard Drive Degaussing
The Difference Between Hard Drive Destruction and Degaussing
Hard drive degaussing erases all of your information using a magnetic field. However, it leaves small amounts of data behind.
When a hard drive platter spins under a read/write head, it generates small pulses of electricity that magnetize the platter surface as they pass through. By exposing the drive to another strong magnetic field, the drive’s magnetic properties are removed along with the data previously stored on the drive.
While it does wipe data, there is still a chance there is information left behind. Additionally, this method does not reduce in price as quantity goes up. This makes bulk degaussing more costly than shredding.
Another factor is the overall process is more extensive. Degaussing is more intricate method and utilizes a more expensive process. This increases the cost and time of completion.
Which Disposal Method is Best
While both shredding and degaussing destroys the drives, they perform the function differently. The major variants are cost, time, and security. It’s important to consider the different factors before choosing. This will help you decide which option is best for you.
However, document destruction is all in all a better system for destroying old drives. This is because it is superior in security as well as its the cheapest option, especially for bulk shredding. While there are benefits to degaussing, destruction is overall the best option for many people and businesses.
