Secure Erase HDDs

Question

Hello,

im an apprentice as an IT specialist. I got the task to design an "erase station". What is meant is a PC that can be used to clean up customer data carriers secure. However, if there are viruses on the hard disk, the device should not also be infected.

I tried it on a live system (Hiren's Boot CD) but the eraser crashes everytime i start to erase. And when using a USB stick, the USB stick could also be infected if there are viruses on the customer data medium.

I also tried "DBAN" but it takes very long (mostly about 3 days).

Now to my question:

How do I manage to design a system that is virus-proof? And which programs do I have to use to securely delete the customer data carriers?

Thanks in advance

Finn

Answer 1

Hi @Finn Meyer

A personal solution is to remove the HDD/SSD from the chassis. Look into purchasing a "SATA Dual Bay External Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD, SSD" and use this to load the drives. You can then load the disks via USB and format the disks on an "erase station" as you mentioned. On your PC that you use to wipe, just ensure that you turn of Autorun/Autoplay.

How to Disable AutoRun and AutoPlay for External Devices

https://www.lifewire.com/disable-autorun-on-a-pc-153344

I also use EaseUS to clone HDDs, but you can also use this program to wipe the drives. (I personally use this program and have no affiliation to it other than a user).

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