How does a degausser work?

There are some reliable and cost-effective ways to securely and, above all, irrevocably erase data. There are two possible methods that you can use to securely erase data from devices that you do not want to reuse - demagnetisation with a degausser or mechanical destruction by shredding.

Both solutions work well when the media is defective and the hardware required to access the data is no longer available. However, those responsible must understand that using a shredder or degausser will result in the media becoming unusable.

What is demagnetisation

Demagnetisation is a unique technique for permanently erasing data that can be applied to storage media based on a magnetic data carrier (hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tapes on open reels or cassette). It can ensure the rapid erasure of information from media where it is not possible to use erasure software to overwrite data - due to hardware failures.

How does demagnetisation work?

The physical principle underlying demagnetisation is based on the polarisation of Weiss domains. The data is stored on magnetic media such as hard discs and tapes, whereby a magnetic field is applied to very small areas known as magnetic domains, particularly Weiss domains. This process is based on the theory developed by French physicist Pierre Weiss. The magnetic field during the writing phase of the information imprints a verse that aligns the magnetisation of a certain number of Weiss domains. These verses of magnetisation are linked to the bit values 0 and 1. A hardware tool known as a degausser is used for the demagnetisation process.

What does demagnetisation do to a hard drive?

A magnetic field of such strength provides a guaranteed successful elimination of data and also the security of erasure of discs with a high recording density and a high coercivity factor.

Not all degaussers can permanently erase data from hard drives and tapes. The magnet must counteract the magnetic coercive force with a certain resistance. The coercive force is the intensity of the reverse magnetic field required to cancel the magnetisation of media. For a demagnetiser to be effective, it must be able to generate a magnetic field that is at least 1.5 times the coercive field strength of the carrier to be erased.

It follows that the higher the power of the degausser, the greater its effectiveness and the greater the possibility of using it on hard drives and other magnetic media with future technology. The demagnetisation process only takes a few seconds; place the device in the tray and press a button to initiate demagnetisation. The media is no longer reusable after this process.

Which storage media can be demagnetised

A demagnetiser can safely clean all magnetic storage devices.

5 ¼, 3 ½ or 2 ¼-inch hard disc drives
Digital magnetic tapes in all common formats: LTO, DLT, etc.
5 ¼ and 3 ½-inch floppy discs

Want to know more about degaussing At Ontrack, we have a range of data erasure methods that ensure 100% destruction of your media. Get in touch with one of our data erasure experts today.

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