Secure Data Deletion
- Secure Data Standards. The
University of Minnesota Standard on Secure Data Deletion requires the
department or individual directly responsible for non-public data on a University
computer or other electronic device is required to ensure that any non-public
information on that device is securely removed before sale or transfer out
of their direct control. Examples of such sales and transfers are: transfer
to another department; public sale; donation; or scrapping. Such computers
must be electronically wiped (e.g. using a secure data deletion program
for computers that writes random data in multiple passes) or the physical
media must be destroyed. Tapes, CDs, cartridges and other storage and backup
media containing non-public information must also be securely deleted or
destroyed before disposal or transfer out of direct control.
- Delete old data. Before recycling or returning old hardware,
ensure that the hard drive has been purged and all data has been deleted.
See our article on Disk
and Hard Drive Cleaning for more information.
- ITSS Services. ITSS has the facilities to properly wipe
data, or securely erase a computer harddrive in accordance with University
standards and provide a certified document that the work was provided. The
fee for this is generally $10-$20 per item.
- File Erasure. In many instances it is required to wipe
a file from a computer that is still in production or used on a daily basis.
For individually erasing single files permanently, click
here.
If you need assistance or have questions, contact the ITSS Help Desk (ext.
8847 or email helpdesk@d.umn.edu).
