As businesses across the UK continue to handle increasing volumes of sensitive data, the question of how to dispose of digital storage devices securely has never been more important. Whether it’s hard drives, SSDs, USB sticks, backup tapes or optical media, the risk of a data breach remains unless disposal is carried out correctly. Two common approaches to data disposal are data wiping and media destruction. While both are used across various industries, their levels of effectiveness and security vary significantly.
What Is Data Wiping?
Data wiping – also known as data erasing, involves overwriting the contents of a storage device with random data, patterns or zeros. This is typically performed using specialist software and aims to make previously stored data unrecoverable.
Advantages:
- Allows the device to be reused, sold or donated
- Lower environmental impact if reused or recycled responsibly
- Relatively quick and low-cost for small volumes
Limitations:
- Not guaranteed to be fully effective—especially with modern SSDs or damaged devices
- May not meet compliance requirements in regulated sectors
- Still carries a risk of data being recovered by advanced forensic tools
What Is Media Destruction?
Media destruction services involve the physical destruction of a device to render it permanently unreadable and completely unrecoverable. Common methods include hard drive shredding, crushing or degaussing.
Advantages:
- Provides total data elimination
- Meets legal and industry-specific standards such as BS EN 15713, GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and WEEE regulations
- Ideal for large volumes, end-of-life IT equipment, or highly sensitive information
- Services often include a Certificate of Destruction, providing legal proof of compliance
Limitations:
- The device cannot be reused once destroyed
- Physical destruction should be carried out by a certified provider to ensure compliance and environmental responsibility
Why Media Destructions Services are More Secure
When it comes to safeguarding confidential data, media destruction services are the gold standard. Data wiping may suffice in low-risk scenarios, but for organisations handling personal data, financial records, legal documents or patient files, physical destruction ensures that data is irretrievably destroyed.
Our media destruction services are carried out in accordance with BS EN 15713 – the European standard for secure destruction of confidential materials. This includes:
- Collection and transport in locked, tracked vehicles
- Fully vetted staff with identification and confidentiality agreements
- Shredding using industrial-grade equipment either on-site or off-site
- Full audit trail and Certificate of Destruction
- Environmentally responsible disposal of electronic waste
Get in Touch
With cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, choosing the right method for disposing of digital media is critical. While data wiping may appear sufficient on the surface, only professional media destruction provides the certainty and compliance that today’s data protection landscape demands.
Whether you’re decommissioning IT equipment, closing an office or simply upgrading devices, ensure your data is handled securely – with certified media shredding. If you’re company is in need of our services then get in touch with us today and we’ll do all the work for you.
