Data destruction
Drives sanitized to NIST SP 800-88, verified and on the record
Every used drive we sell is sanitized to NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 with a purge method whenever the drive supports one, then read back to verify. The method, date and result are recorded per unit, and buyback and ITAD lots get a serialized Certificate of Data Destruction.
Clear vs Purge vs Destroy
NIST SP 800-88 defines three levels of sanitization. Here is what each one does and when we use it.
Clear
Overwrites all user-addressable storage, protecting against simple, non-invasive recovery.
When we use itOnly when a drive does not support a purge command: a single-pass overwrite with verification. The method used is recorded on the unit.
Purge
Uses the drive’s own sanitize commands so recovery is infeasible even with laboratory techniques.
When we use itOur default for every drive that supports it, followed by a read-back verification pass.
Destroy
Physically destroys the media, so neither the data nor the drive can be used again.
When we use itFor drives that cannot be sanitized. Customer drives can be returned instead, on request.
Method by interface
Every sanitize method is followed by a read-back verification pass. The method, date and result are stored with the unit.
| Interface | Method | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| SATA (HDD and SSD) | Purge: ATA Enhanced Secure Erase, or SANITIZE (block or crypto erase) | hdparm |
| SAS | Purge: SCSI SANITIZE (block erase, crypto erase or overwrite), or FORMAT UNIT | sg_format, SCSI SANITIZE |
| NVMe | Purge: NVMe Sanitize, or Format with crypto erase | nvme-cli |
| No purge support, or cannot be sanitized | Clear (single-pass overwrite with verification) when the drive accepts it; otherwise physically destroyed, or returned to the customer on request | Recorded per unit |
Certificate of Data Destruction
For buyback and ITAD lots we issue a serialized Certificate of Data Destruction as a PDF. It lists every drive in the lot, one line each, with:
- Drive model
- Serial number
- Sanitization method used
- Result
Selling us your drives
We buy surplus enterprise drives, SSDs, memory and server parts. Every drive in the lot is sanitized to NIST SP 800-88 and verified in our lab, and you receive the serialized certificate for your records. Payment is released 24 to 48 hours after verification.
Get a buyback offerQuestions about data destruction
Is a quick format enough?+
No. A quick format rewrites the file system’s index and leaves the data itself in place, where ordinary recovery tools can read it back. NIST SP 800-88 Clear overwrites all user-addressable storage, and Purge uses the drive’s own sanitize commands, which is what we use whenever the drive supports one.
Do you keep any data from the drives?+
No. Every drive is sanitized and then verified with a read-back pass before it is resold. The only record we keep is about the sanitization itself: the method, the date and the verification result for each unit.
Can I get a certificate for a drive I bought?+
Every drive’s public test report includes its sanitize record: method, date and result. Scan the QR tamper seal or the certificate in the box to open it. The serialized Certificate of Data Destruction PDF is issued for buyback and ITAD lots.
What happens to drives that fail?+
Drives that fail testing are never resold: they are pulled, their seals are voided, and they are returned to the supplier or scrapped. A drive that cannot be sanitized is physically destroyed, or returned to the customer on request.
Does this meet HIPAA, GLBA or similar requirements?+
NIST SP 800-88 is the media sanitization standard most data-protection frameworks and auditors point to, and our certificate documents the method and result for each drive. We do not certify legal compliance: whether your program meets HIPAA, GLBA or similar rules is for your compliance team to decide, and the certificate is the evidence you hand them.
Questions about a lot or a drive?
Email support@atomicracks.com or call +1 (833) 435-3838.