Disk Wiping
CWCS take your data seriously, and as part of our ISO 27001 compliance we make sure that data is not kept for any longer than necessary, and is securely destroyed after its use.As part of our internal controls for data security we make sure that each hard disk removed from a server is securely handled, and any data on it wiped. We also do a SMART disk check and any disks that are suitable for refurbishment are securely wiped and held for emergency replacements.
SMART Testing
We successfully wipe all disks using an external dock where the disks are mounted for SMART testing, any disks that have failed this test are labelled as such. We then start the disk wiping process which wipes all disks to the British HMG Infosec Standard 5 Enhanced Standard. This works by writing all 1s to the disk, then all 0s, and then random data. This process completely destroys all data on the hard disk, preventing any recovery of sensitive data.
Once the disks are wiped a 10% verification scan is ran on the disks to make sure that it conforms to the required standard. A certificate is generated for all disks that are passed through the wiping process, and we keep these on record for 2 years.
Destruction
If a disk fails SMART test, or fails the wiping process, we remove it from the data centre inventory system completely. The disk is scanned into our HDD destruction log, and then it is physically crushed. This process involves driving a steel spike through the cylinder and platters, which rends the disk mechanically inoperable and bends the platters sufficiently to make them unusable. A vetted contractor then comes on site to safely dispose of the crushed disks in line with our environmental responsibilities (WEEE).
We are serious about making sure that all data that is put in our control is safely handled at all stages of its life-cycle. If you’re looking for a provider that takes this responsibility seriously have a chat with us about how we can help you achieve your data security requirements.
If you require further information regarding data security, disk wiping or any of our managed hosting services, please contact us on 0800 1 777 000 or by email. Â
CWCS are here to look after your online infrastructure, so you can look after your business!
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
