Hello—this is MASAMUNE, a data erasure solution provider.
Data erasure software is essential when simple deletion is not enough to protect personal or confidential information. This article explains the difference between ordinary deletion and true data erasure, and summarizes sanitization levels and common algorithms.
Deletion vs erasure
Ordinary deletion
When you delete a file, the data may remain on the storage and can sometimes be recovered using common recovery tools.
Data erasure software
Data erasure software overwrites storage areas with specific patterns (fixed values or random values) to make recovery impractical.
Sanitization levels
Many frameworks describe three broad levels:
- Clear: Prevent recovery by common software tools; prioritizes speed.
- Purge: Resists more advanced recovery tools; used for higher-sensitivity data.
- Destroy: Physical destruction; most certain but media cannot be reused.
Common algorithms (examples)
Clear level
- Zero fill (0x00 overwrite)
- Random overwrite
- NIST SP 800-88 aligned methods
Purge level
- NIST SP 800-88 multi-pass + verify
- DoD 5220.22-M style methods (often excessive for modern storage)
Secure Erase / Enhanced Secure Erase
These are drive-level commands that are often recommended for modern storage—especially SSDs.
Summary
The “best” method depends on your device type and the sensitivity of the data.
MASAMUNE can help you select an appropriate erasure method for your workflow:
