Documented media sanitization & destruction
Data Destruction Simplified
Retired equipment should never become a data breach. Nextgen Solutions provides controlled media sanitization and physical destruction services with a Certificate of Destruction for completed destruction projects.
Choose the right outcome
Clear, purge or destroy
There is no single correct method for every device. We consider the media type, condition, intended disposition and sensitivity of the information before determining an appropriate method.
Logical Sanitization
Uses an appropriate logical technique to address data in user-addressable storage when the media will remain within an acceptable risk environment.
Common use: controlled reuse where the media and supported method make clearing appropriate.
Enhanced Sanitization
Uses a stronger media-appropriate technique, such as a supported cryptographic erase or another approved method, to make recovery infeasible for the required level of effort.
Common use: reuse or disposition requiring greater assurance than clearing alone.
Physical Destruction
Physically damages the storage media so it cannot be used as originally intended. This is suited to failed, obsolete or end-of-life media that will not be reused.
Common use: hard drives, SSDs and other media designated for final destruction.
Controlled from intake to completion
Our destruction process
Your project is scoped before the media changes hands. This identifies the devices, required method, documentation needs and final disposition so expectations are clear from the beginning.
Scope
We review media types, quantities, location, security requirements and whether any devices are intended for reuse.
Receive & Track
Media is received under the agreed project instructions and identifying information is recorded as applicable to the scope.
Sanitize or Destroy
The selected media-appropriate process is completed. Failed media can be routed to physical destruction rather than reuse.
Document
A Certificate of Destruction is provided for the completed destruction project, documenting completion for your internal or audit records.
Proof for your records
Certificates of Destruction
A completed project should leave you with more than an empty equipment closet. A Certificate of Destruction documents the media received and the destruction service completed.
Tell us during quoting if you require device-level serial-number reporting, asset references, a particular certificate format or other project documentation so it can be included in the scope.
Certificate of Destruction
Media we can evaluate
More than desktop hard drives
Modern businesses store information across many device types. Media acceptance and the appropriate method depend on construction, condition and supported sanitization capabilities.
Hard Disk Drives
Desktop, laptop, server and external magnetic hard drives.
Solid-State Storage
SATA, NVMe, M.2 and other solid-state drives.
Computers & Servers
Systems containing internal or removable storage media.
Mobile Devices
Phones and tablets requiring media-appropriate handling.
Removable Media
USB storage, memory cards and other supported media.
Printer & Network Storage
Storage found in multifunction printers, appliances and network equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Plan the project correctly
Describe what you have and what the equipment contained. We will help define an appropriate scope instead of assuming that every drive or device should receive the same treatment.
Do we receive a Certificate of Destruction?
Yes. A Certificate of Destruction is provided for completed destruction projects. Tell us whether you also need individual media serial numbers, internal asset references or another reporting requirement when requesting the quote.
Is deleting files or formatting a drive enough?
No. Basic deletion and formatting can leave recoverable information behind. An appropriate sanitization or destruction method must be selected for the media, its intended disposition and the sensitivity of the information.
Does every drive have to be physically destroyed?
Not necessarily. Reusable media may be eligible for an appropriate clearing or purging method. Failed, obsolete or high-risk media may be designated for physical destruction. The required outcome should be established before processing.
What does NIST compliant mean?
NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2 provides guidance for developing and managing a media-sanitization program. It is not a product certification. Nextgen Solutions uses its terminology and risk-based approach when selecting and documenting appropriate methods.
Can this support HIPAA, GLBA or other compliance obligations?
Documented media disposition can support an organization's compliance program, but no disposal service by itself makes an organization compliant. The customer remains responsible for identifying its legal, contractual, retention and documentation requirements.
What happens to the equipment after data destruction?
Depending on the project, equipment may be returned, prepared for reuse or moved into an electronics-recycling process. Final disposition should be included in the approved scope. Learn more on our Electronics Recycling page.
Protect the data before disposing of the device
Request a documented data-destruction plan
Send the media types, quantities, equipment location and documentation requirements. Nextgen Solutions will help define the appropriate service and provide a project quote.