Re: Removing data in a secure manner?

[Rick Deckard <rickdeckard69_(_at_)_yahoo_(_dot_)_com>]

I think I'm going to go with the melting idea.  Thanks very much for the advice everyone.  ;-)
 "Joseph W. Shaw II" <mrman_(_at_)_darkside_(_dot_)_org> wrote:On Sun, 2 Feb 2003, Rick Deckard wrote:

> I was just wondering what would be a good way to completely remove data
> from a hard disk in OpenBSD? Somehow using dd with /dev/random to the
> disk device? Three times in a row?
>
> Sorry for being a Noob but I'm still trying to learn Unix.

If the data is not encrypted, the only real way to securely delete it is
physical destruction. My personal preferred method is a magazine full of
5.56 NATO in my ar-15 at 50 yards. A .50BMG would certainly do it in one
shot. If you have the means available, and it's not illegal where you
live, it can be quite fun.

Of course, if you're not worried about someone going all out with an MRI
to retreive the data on the drive, a standard magentic media bulk eraser
should work. The only caveat is that it will certainly fry the drive
heads in the process.

--
Joseph
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