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Data Sanitization

Data Management

Secure Storage Incident Response (IR) Secure Delete Data Destruction

Media sanitization process to render data unrecoverable prior to reuse, return, or disposal.

Definition

Data sanitization includes clearing, purging, or destroying storage media according to defined standards and risk levels. Methods include overwrite, degaussing (for some media), cryptographic erase, or physical destruction.

In plain English Media sanitization process to render data unrecoverable prior to reuse, return, or disposal.

Why this matters

Why it matters: Sanitization prevents accidental disclosure from reused or discarded devices.

Example

Example: Use encrypted storage + crypto-erase, verify completion, and document the sanitization for asset disposition.