Destroying a hard drive

[Ben Scott]

On 7/11/07, Jim Kuzdrall <gnhlug at intrel.com> wrote:
> What is the most efficient way to destroy the data on a hard drive
> before junking it?

  Words like "best" and "efficient" depend on what you're optimizing
for.  I would say your description means you want to optimize for
speed, thoroughness, and ability to work even with failing or failed
media.  Given those requirements, I would suggest a degausser which is
listed on the NSA's Evaluated Products List as meeting criteria for
sanitization of media containing classified information.

http://www.nsa.gov/ia/government/mdg.cfm

  For example, the Proton 1100 ($995 list):

http://www.proton-eng.com/degausser_1100.htm

  You open the drive and pass it slowly over both sides of all
platters.  Takes maybe two minutes, or maybe five if you have to drill
the screws.

-- Ben