In the fast-evolving landscape of data security and technological advancement, change is constant, and staying ahead of the curve is imperative. The NSA/CSS conducts continuous research, emphasizing stringent standards for hard drive degaussers for the destruction of decommissioned hard drives. At Garner Products, we take pride in being at the forefront, prepared to meet and surpass the existing standards.
With the escalating value of data and the increasingly prevalent and severe repercussions of data breaches, it is crucial for every data collector to treat all data as if it were Top-Secret. The stakes are high, and safeguarding the integrity of sensitive data from collection to its end-of-life is paramount. This is precisely why the NSA standards, designed to handle Top-Secret information, set the gold standard for hard drive data destruction.
Why the NSA Standards Matter
For decision-makers like Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and leaders within the data security sphere, understanding the significance of the NSA standards is crucial. Compliance with NSA/CSS Policy Manual 9-12 assures a level of security that surpasses mere data destruction; it signifies a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information on Data Bearing Devices (DBD) and adhering to the highest standards in the industry.
Failure to comply with data destruction standards presents heightened risks of data breaches, resulting in severe consequences such as hefty fines, legal complications, financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions, and the erosion of customer trust.
To methodically comply with NSA data destruction standards, the NSA/CSS Policy Manual 9-12 mandates the sanitization of magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) by using an EPL-listed product to degauss, or disintegrate, or incinerate the HDDs, while within a controlled facility. It further requires degaussing to be followed by physical destruction by deforming the platters inside all HDDs. The NSA/CSS Policy 6-22 further emphasizes that the “Information storage media (ISM) from a controlled facility can be released to an uncontrolled facility…only after it has been sanitized…”
In essence, the NSA mandates the sanitization of magnetic HDDs through degaussing, disintegration (shredding), or incineration. Among the three options, degaussing stands out as the easiest, fastest, and most secure method that can be used in a controlled facility. Explore this blog for deeper insights into the intricacies of shredding and incineration.
Understanding The NSA/CSS Evaluated Product List
The NSA/CSS plays a critical role in maintaining continued compliance for data destruction by establishing a systemic process in evaluating hard drive degaussers. The NSA/CSS Evaluated Product List (EPL) is a vital resource ensuring the stringent evaluation and approval of degaussers for complete sanitization of decommissioned magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs). In the October 2023 version, it states that “NSA will no longer accept degaussers for evaluation with magnetic fields less than 30,000 Gauss.”
The continuous evolution and adaptation of industry standards, as suggested by the NSA/CSS's changes in the evaluation criteria for HDD degaussers bear substantial implications. To future-proof data security measures and stay ahead of evolving industry standards, CISOs, and data security leaders must proactively recalibrate the complete data protection strategy—from the collection of data to managing decommissioned DBDs.
Garner’s TS-4XT: Beyond Compliance, Towards Excellence
Enter Garner Products’ TS-4XT, the most advanced HDD degausser commercially available on the market. This cutting-edge product is purpose-built to address these evolving standards while going above and beyond what the NSA currently evaluates for HDD degaussers on the Evaluated Product List. With its 40,000+ Gauss strength, swift 30-second cycles, user-friendly operation (no need for a skilled operator), and seamless compatibility with Garner’s exclusive IRONCLAD verification system - the TS-4XT establishes the benchmark in HDD data destruction reliability.
Fact: Garner’s TS-4XT has been earmarked to be the first in line for evaluation by the NSA once the new EPL evaluation standards are released.
Recommended Read: What is degaussing?
Introducing The Power Trio: TS-4XT, IRONCLAD And PD-5 For Unparalleled Assurance
Integrating the TS-4XT with IRONCLAD, Garner’s exclusive proof-of-erasure system, offers the assurance of verifiable data destruction. IRONCLAD works seamlessly to generate an erasure report. This report isn't just any report; it includes a visual image of the hard drive and records the serial number, along with the unique identifiers for each drive as it undergoes the degaussing process.
In compliance with NSA standards, follow the degaussing process with the physical destruction of decommissioned HDDs with Garner’s EPL-Listed PD-5 Destroyer. This high-powered PD-5 is the fastest and lightest EPL-listed hard drive destroyer on the market, capable of crushing hard drives in under 20 seconds, achieving a staggering capacity of up to 1,800 (2.5 in) hard drives per hour.
This formidable Power Trio forms an impenetrable defense line within your data destruction strategy, instilling unparalleled confidence in your EOL magnetic media disposal process.
Your Strategic Imperative to Enhanced Data Security: Explore TS-4XT
For decision-makers in the realm of data security, the TS-4XT is a strategic assurance towards unrivaled data protection. Explore the capabilities of the TS-4XT to understand why it's the pinnacle of data destruction technology.
Speak to one of our Masters of Destruction to learn more about how our products can align with your evolving DBD destruction needs.
About Garner Products
Garner Products designs and manufactures premium equipment that delivers complete, permanent, and verifiable data destruction. For over 60 years, Garner has provided the education, systems, and support that enable customers worldwide in all industries to securely destroy data.
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