Secure Data Destruction: Guide

The tradecraft guide to secure data destruction to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information; irrevocably destroying and permanently making data unrecoverable no matter what.

Total and secure data destruction involves a multifaceted approach that goes beyond basic methods but anyone can do it. These measures, when combined with traditional methods, provide a robust framework for maintaining data security and upholding the highest standards of tradecraft in covert operations.

In both personal and professional contexts, data often contains confidential details, such as financial records, personal identification, proprietary business information, and intelligence. If not properly destroyed, this data can be recovered and exploited by unauthorized individuals, leading to identity theft, corporate espionage, financial loss, and compromised operations.

Secure data destruction ensures that no residual data can be retrieved, thereby preventing potential breaches and safeguarding against various threats. This practice is especially vital for operatives and organizations handling classified or sensitive information, where the consequences of data leakage can be severe.

        DELETION V DESTRUCTION

Deleting data and destroying data are fundamentally different processes with varying degrees of permanence and security. Deleting data typically involves removing file references from a file system, making the data invisible to the user but still recoverable with the right tools, as the actual data remains on the storage medium until overwritten by new data.

While deletion is sufficient for routine file management, secure data destruction is essential for handling sensitive information to prevent unauthorized recovery and ensure confidentiality.

On the other hand, data destruction encompasses methods that ensure the complete and irreversible eradication of data from storage devices. This includes overwriting data multiple times with secure deletion software, physically destroying the storage media through shredding or incineration, and degaussing to disrupt magnetic fields in magnetic storage devices.

        SOFTWARE TOOLS FOR SECURE DELETION

Overwriting Files

Digital files, when simply deleted, remain on the storage device until overwritten by new data. To ensure secure deletion, specialized software tools are used to overwrite files multiple times. This process is known as data wiping or shredding.

[Recommended Tools]

• Eraser:     This open-source tool allows users to securely delete files by overwriting them multiple times. It supports various algorithms, including the Gutmann method, which overwrites data 35 times.

• CCleaner:     Known for system optimization, CCleaner includes a drive wiper that can overwrite free space or entire drives.

• DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke):     A free tool for securely wiping entire hard drives, ideal for when a device is to be decommissioned.

[Best Practices]

– Use multiple overwriting passes (at least three) to ensure data is unrecoverable.

– Verify the process with a tool that checks for residual data.

        PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION OF STORAGE MEDIA

Shredding

Physically shredding hard drives and other storage media renders them unreadable. Industrial shredders designed for this purpose cut the drives into small pieces, ensuring that data recovery is impossible.

[Steps]

– Disassemble the hard drive if possible, to expose the platters.

– Use a specialized hard drive shredder to destroy the drive.

– Ensure the shredded pieces are small enough to prevent reconstruction.

Incineration

Incineration involves burning the storage media at high temperatures until it is reduced to ash. This method guarantees that no usable data remnants survive.

[Steps]

– Place the storage media in a high-temperature incinerator or an adequate open fire.

– Monitor the process to ensure complete destruction.

– Dispose of the ash in a secure manner to prevent any possibility of reconstruction.

Degaussing

Degaussing is the process of using a powerful magnetic field to erase data from magnetic storage devices such as hard drives and tapes. It disrupts the magnetic domains that store data, rendering the device unusable.

[Tools]

• Garner PD-5 Hard Drive Destroyer:     A portable degaussing tool that erases data and physically destroys the drive.

• Varex V91 Degausser:     Suitable for high-volume data destruction, this tool is used in both commercial and covert operations for its reliability.

[Best Practices]

– Follow manufacturer instructions for the degausser to ensure complete data erasure.

– Verify the success of degaussing with residual data checking tools.

– Combine degaussing with physical destruction for the highest level of security.

        ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR SECURE DATA DELETION

In addition to software-based deletion, physical destruction, and degaussing, there are other measures operatives can employ to ensure the complete and secure destruction of sensitive data. These measures complement the primary methods and add additional layers of security to prevent data recovery.

Encryption Before Deletion

[Encrypting Data]

Before deleting or destroying data, encrypting it can add an extra layer of security. Even if some remnants of the data are recovered, they will be inaccessible without the decryption key.

[Tools]

• VeraCrypt:     An open-source disk encryption tool that provides robust encryption algorithms.

• BitLocker:     A Microsoft encryption feature integrated into Windows that secures entire drives.

• FileVault:     Apple’s built-in encryption software for Mac devices.

[Best Practices]

– Use strong encryption algorithms such as AES-256.

– Store encryption keys separately and securely.

– Ensure that encryption is applied to all sensitive data prior to any destruction processes.

        SECURE DISPOSAL OF RESIDUAL COMPONENTS

Managing Residual Components

After physical destruction, the residual components must be handled securely to prevent any attempt at reconstruction.

[Steps]

– Collect all shredded or incinerated material.

– Transport the material to a secure disposal facility.

– Use recycling services that comply with environmental regulations and data security standards.

Secure Erase Commands

Many modern storage devices, such as SSDs, come with built-in secure erase commands that can be more effective than traditional overwriting.

[Tools]

• HDDErase:     A utility that uses secure erase commands to wipe drives.

• Parted Magic:     A disk management tool that includes secure erase functionality.

[Best Practices]

– Verify that the secure erase command is supported by the device.

– Perform a verification scan to ensure no data remains.

        DECOY DATA RUSE

Manufacturing decoy data involves creating convincing but false information that appears valuable to an adversary. This decoy data should be crafted to mimic the structure, language, and formatting of genuine sensitive information, making it indistinguishable from actual (important, useful, accurate etc.) data.

This tactic can buy time, protect real assets within the device / storage, and provide a strategic advantage in covert operations / personal security in many applications including when data destruction is not possible.

Secure data destruction is an essential practice for operatives handling sensitive information. Adhering to these methods not only protects confidential information but also upholds the standards of tradecraft in covert operations.