SECURE DATA DESTRUCTION
Enterprise Data Destruction and Chain of Custody
Plan traceable, verifiable and auditable data destruction according to media, enterprise policy and site constraints.
Different media need different methods. KYI identifies HDD, SSD, tape, optical, removable, mobile, paper and AI-memory characteristics to plan media inventories, method approvals, custody and documentation.
MEDIA-SPECIFIC SERVICES
Explore media-specific service pages
Each page covers the media's risks, methods, reference standards, enterprise decision paths and FAQ.
HDD Data Destruction
Assess overwrite, Degaussing or Physical Destruction according to condition and sensitivity.
Overwrite / Degaussing / Physical Destruction
SSD Data Destruction
Identify controller, NAND and reserved-area risks before selecting an applicable treatment.
Sanitize / Cryptographic Erase / Physical Destruction
Tape Data Destruction
Batch inventory, Degaussing, destruction and custody for LTO and other tapes.
Degaussing / Cutting / Shredding
Optical-media destruction
Plan cutting/shredding outcomes for CD, DVD and Blu-ray construction and sensitivity.
Cutting / Shredding / Disintegration
Memory Card and USB Storage Destruction
Track easily lost NAND media from inventory to controlled destruction.
Inventory / Cryptographic Erase / Shredding
Enterprise Mobile Device Retirement
Manage accounts, MDM, SIM, data and retirement for phones, tablets and laptops.
MDM wipe / Reset verification / Physical Destruction
Confidential Document Destruction
Create traceable records from sealed handoff to On-Site/Off-Site shredding and recovery.
On-Site / Off-Site / Recurring shredding
AI Memory and Data-Bearing Component Retirement
Component-level paths for HBM, GDDR, NVRAM, BMC and firmware storage.
Component inventory / Firmware reset / Physical Destruction
METHOD COMPARISON
Initial media/method comparison
This table supports initial discussion and does not replace media identification, classification, manufacturer guidance, contracts or project approval.
NIST Clear/Purge/Destroy and ISO/IEC 21964 media classes serve different purposes. The table is directional and does not imply KYI certification or automatic project compliance.
| Data-bearing media | Degaussing | Software / logical sanitization | Physical Destruction | Reference direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDD | Application | Conditionally applicable | Application | NIST Clear/Purge/Destroy; ISO 21964 H-class reference |
| SSD | Not applicable | Assess device support | Application | NIST Clear/Purge/Destroy; ISO 21964 E-class reference |
| Tape | Application | Not commonly selected | Application | NIST Purge/Destroy; ISO 21964 T-class reference |
| Optical discs | Not applicable | Generally not applicable | Application | NIST Destroy; ISO 21964 O-class reference |
| Memory cards / USB | Not applicable | Assess device support | Application | NIST Clear/Purge/Destroy; E-class reference |
| Mobile devices | Not applicable | Assess encryption and MDM capability | Risk-dependent | NIST Clear/Purge/Destroy; component classification |
| Paper documents | Not applicable | Not applicable | Application | ISO 21964 P-class particle reference |
| Advanced AI memory | Not applicable | Assess component characteristics | Risk-dependent | Depends on volatility, firmware and actual storage components |
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
Custody from handoff to certification
Data destruction is more than a single processing action. Responsibilities and status through inventory, handling, storage, treatment and reporting should remain traceable within the project scope.
Explore Chain of Custody FAQ →- 01
Inventory and media identification
- 02
Serial / asset-tag registration
- 03
Packing, handoff and transport controls
- 04
Approved treatment and result verification
- 05
Exceptions, witnessing and imagery
- 06
Serial lists and destruction certificates
ON-SITE
On-Site destruction
Suitable when media must not leave before treatment, customer witness is required or the site is tightly controlled. Confirm access, power, space, noise, dust and occupational-safety conditions.
OFF-SITE
Off-Site destruction
Suitable for batch/recurring work with inventory, packing, transport handoffs and intake reconciliation, followed by approved treatment and outcome records.
STANDARDS & EVIDENCE
Reference standards and evidence
A standard name is not a certification. Applicable methods, record fields and verification are confirmed for the project.
NIST SP 800-88 Rev.2
Reference guidance for sanitization programs and Clear/Purge/Destroy decisions; methods depend on media, sensitivity and organizational policy.
DIN 66399／ISO/IEC 21964
Common media codes and security levels are retained for particle discussions. DIN marks DIN 66399 withdrawn; formal projects should confirm current ISO/IEC 21964, contracts and applicable requirements.
NAID AAA
Certification planned; not currently represented as obtained.
Possible project deliverables
Serial lists, handoffs, methods/results, exceptions, site images and Certificates of Destruction; scope and sufficiency depend on the contract and audit requirements.
DECISION GUIDE
Degaussing, erasure or Physical Destruction?
Compare three paths against media, sensitivity and reuse intent.
Read the enterprise decision guide →KNOWLEDGE BASE
Data Destruction FAQ
Understand HDD Degaussing, SSD destruction, NIST SP 800-88 and On-Site/Off-Site differences.
Open FAQ →PROJECT ASSESSMENT
Need a project-specific method review?
Provide media, quantity, site, sensitivity and document needs for initial assessment.
Book a consultation →SECURE DATA DESTRUCTION
Build traceable enterprise data destruction
KYI can help identify media, plan methods, maintain custody and compile closure records.