Delkin Blog

The simple deletion of data does not necessarily eliminate the data completely. From time to time, it may be necessary to do a secure erase on a solid state drive (SSD) or compact flash (CF) data storage device. Project engineers and OEMs often rely on a secure erase download to complete this task. However, there are other options for performing a secure erase and executing a data sanitization that you should be aware of.

Reasons to Perform a Secure Erase

There are a number of reasons why an OEM or an end-user may need to perform a secure erase. Industrial users often store sensitive data on their USBs and other flash storage drives. When flash storage is used for military applications, it is possible that classified government information may be placed on the drive or CF card. In healthcare applications, patient data is highly sensitive and subject to strict regulations. A secure erase is mandatory to protect these types of data.

Downloadable Programs for Data Sanitization

A secure erase download is one option for OEMs or end-users who need to permanently destroy their sensitive data. Typically, a downloadable secure erase program would be downloaded and installed on the SSD. Users are then able to open the program, select their preferred number of passes, and execute the command. In general, it is recommended that at least three passes are selected in order to ensure complete data sanitization. However, not all downloadable programs are necessarily reliable. In addition, many of them are designed for magnetic hard drives, not SSDs and flash storage. A safer option is to choose a data storage device that already has built-in secure erase features.

Built-In Features for Secure Erases

Flash storage devices such as SSDs, USB drives, and CF cards do not always have integrated secure erase features. This is why OEMs are encouraged to contact Delkin directly to discuss their specific needs. Delkin offers a number of flash storage devices that do feature a secure erase option, including industrial grade flash memory products. With an integrated secure erase option, there is no need to download a separate program. The data are sanitized reliably and securely.

Delkin offers stronger data sanitization methods than are available through a secure erase download. Talk to our product team today to discuss your flash data storage options, including SLC and MLC flash memory. As an industry leader in reliable data storage, Delkin is also pleased to provide multiple options for device customization.

ORDER DELKIN INDUSTRIAL FLASH STORAGE TODAY through our distribution partner Newark.