Question

Difficulty: MediumData Destruction and Disposal Methods

A security technician is decommissioning magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) containing sensitive financial files. Arrange the following steps in the correct chronological sequence for executing a compliant hardware sanitization and disposition lifecycle.

  1. 1Log the drive serial numbers and document the initial chain-of-custody form.
  2. 2Expose the magnetic drives to a degaussing wand or high-power electromagnetic field.
  3. 3Pass the sanitized drive chassis through an industrial mechanical shredder.
  4. 4Receive and archive a signed Certificate of Destruction for legal auditing.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence begins with documenting chain of custody, followed by magnetic degaussing, physical shredding, and finally archiving the Certificate of Destruction.
The hardware disposition lifecycle follows a strict sequence: first, inventory logging establishes chain of custody; second, media sanitization (degaussing) renders the magnetic data unreadable; third, physical destruction (shredding) prevents hardware recovery; and fourth, administrative auditing secures a Certificate of Destruction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Inventory and Chain of Custody
Drive serial numbers are recorded and tracked.
Maintaining regulatory compliance requires documenting the custody of sensitive storage assets before any action is taken.
2
Data Sanitization
The magnetic drive platters are demagnetized via degaussing.
Degaussing renders data unreadable while the drives remain intact.
3
Physical Destruction
The drive hardware is reduced to small metallic fragments.
Physical shredding guarantees that no hardware components can be recovered or reassembled.
4
Compliance Verification
A Certificate of Destruction is validated and archived.
The certificate serves as formal legal proof that the data disposal process was completed according to standards.

Key Concept

Hardware Disposition Lifecycle and Chain of Custody
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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