Nowadays, almost every laptop and an increasing number of servers use an SSD instead of a traditional hard drive. This is faster and more energy-efficient, but it also changes the way you securely delete data. Methods that work for a hard drive are not always sufficient for an SSD. In this article, you’ll find out why, and how to securely wipe or destroy an SSD.
How an SSD stores data
A hard disk drives write data to spinning magnetic platters. An SSD has no moving parts and stores data in flash memory chips. To ensure these chips wear out evenly, a controller within the SSD distributes the write operations across all memory cells (wear levelling). In addition, an SSD has extra memory that the user cannot see (over-provisioning).
The result is that when you overwrite a file, the SSD often writes the new data to a different cell. The old data may remain in a cell that the operating system cannot access. Consequently, overwrite methods designed for hard disk drives do not always reach all the data on an SSD.
Securely erasing an SSD
SSDs have built-in erase commands that instruct the controller to erase all cells, including the hidden ones. Professional erasure software such as Blancco utilises these commands, verifies the result and records it in a report for each data storage device. If the SSD is functioning correctly, certified erasure is a safe option. The SSD, or the laptop in which it is installed, can then be reused, thereby generating residual value.
Reuzado erases data storage devices using Blancco and is a Blancco ITAD Gold Partner. You will receive a certificate with a serial number for each data storage device.
Physically destroying an SSD
If the SSD is faulty, or if your organisation requires maximum security, it will be physically destroyed. There is an important difference here compared to hard drives: the data on an SSD is stored in small memory chips. Breaking a drive in half or shredding it coarsely may leave the chips intact. The destruction must therefore be fine-grained enough to pulverise the chips themselves.
The DIN 66399 standard takes this into account. The standard sets out separate categories for each type of data storage medium, each with its own particle size specifications: H for hard discs, E for electronic data storage media such as SSDs and USB sticks, T for magnetic tapes and O for optical media. When destroying SSDs, therefore, always ask about the E level, not just the H level.
Where are SSDs used?
Don’t just think of standalone hard drives. SSDs and flash memory are also found in laptops, servers, NAS systems, smartphones, tablets and USB sticks. In many modern laptops, the SSD is soldered onto the motherboard, so you cannot remove it. Even in such cases, the data must be certified as erased or the memory destroyed.
On site or in the processing room
Reuzado also accepts SSDs, hard drives, backup tapes, USB sticks, smartphones and tablets destroyed on site using the mobile shredder unit. You will receive a certificate showing the serial numbers and the date. Would you prefer to have them collected? In that case, your data storage devices will be transported in locked wheelie bins to the secure processing facility.
Find out more about our approach to data destruction and request a no-obligation quote. Prices start at €4.50 per data carrier, including a certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is formatting enough to erase an SSD?
No. Due to wear levelling and hidden memory, formatting or overwriting does not affect all the cells on an SSD. Use certified data-wiping software or have the SSD physically destroyed.
What standard applies to the destruction of SSDs?
DIN 66399 has a separate category (E) for electronic data storage media such as SSDs and USB sticks. Ask about this level when arranging for destruction.
Can SSDs be destroyed on-site?
Yes. SSDs and others data storage media can be destroyed at your premises using the mobile shredder unit.