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Data Destruction

Data Management

Secure Storage Data Retention Secure Delete Data Sanitization

Process that renders data irrecoverable, via physical destruction or key destruction with verified controls.

Definition

Data destruction includes physical destruction (shredding, crushing) or cryptographic destruction (destroying keys) when encryption is used. It should follow documented procedures, verification, and chain-of-custody controls.

In plain English Process that renders data irrecoverable, via physical destruction or key destruction with verified controls.

Why this matters

Why it matters: It prevents recovery of sensitive personal data and supports compliance with retention limits.

Example

Example: Retire drives using a destruction vendor with certificates and verify that backups and replicas are handled per policy.