Pupfish has 2 options to securely remove data from media devices – Sanitization and Degaussing. The actual process can be very technical, but the bottom line is that Pupfish takes all steps necessary to assure data is permanently removed from data devices. We can meet special requirements of any industry.

Sanitization

Data sanitization is the process of irreversibly removing or destroying data stored on a memory device with the use of software to overwrite all areas of the media. It is important to use the proper technique to ensure that all data is purged. A device that has been sanitized has no usable residual data, and even with the assistance of advanced forensic tools, the data will never be recovered.

Degaussing

Degaussing HDD hard drives and other magnetic devices (floppy disks, magnetic tape, etc.) is a process whereby powerful magnets are used to scramble all data stored on magnetic media such as hard disk drive (HDD) technology. When exposed to strong magnetic forces, all data stored on the HDD platter is rendered completely useless.

Yes. Pupfish utilizes 2 different software programs to sanitize devices so we can choose the best option for that device. The software can sanitize to meet 24 International Standards. Pupfish will utilize the current standards for sanitization. NIST 800-88 is updated periodically by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Some of our customers will request a sanitization standard that is an industry requirement. The most popular, other than NIST 800-88 is Department of Defense (DoD) 3 pass, and DoD 7 pass.

What Can Be Sanitized

Most media can be sanitized – Standard Computer Hard Drives (HDD’s), Solid State Hard Drives (SSD’s), Cell phones, Tablets, and USB storage.

What Cannot Be Sanitized

Backup tapes and floppy drives.

What Can Be Degaussed

Magnetic Media, if it fits in the degaussing chamber – Standard Hard Drives (HDD’s), Floppy Drives, Backup Tapes.

What Cannot Be Degaussed

Solid state (non-magnetic) devices - Solid State Hard Drives (SSD’s), Cell phones, Tablets, and USB storage.

• Environmental – sanitized devices can be repurposed, significantly reducing greenhouse gasses (GHG) even when compared to recycling.

• Data is completely removed from the device.

• Sanitizing can be used on many types of devices.

• If sanitizing a media device in a computer or laptop, often the software will perform a function analysis on the computer or laptop.

• Sanitizing software produces a certificate of sanitization for each device.

• Time – sanitizing a device can take hours or days depending on the size of the device as well as other variables.

• Due to the extended time, sanitization cannot be performed at the client's location or observed by the client.

• Damage – Sanitizing a device works the device very hard over an extended period and sometimes devices will fail during sanitization. In this case, devices are degaussed and or physically destroyed.

• Data is completely removed from the device.

• Verification – the Pupfish degausser verifies that sufficient oersted levels were applied to the device to confirm erasure.

• A unique feature of our degausser is its ability to measure its field strength and report results to the operator, thus guaranteeing its performance. Know without a doubt that your media is being degaussed to National Security Agency standards each and every time.

• Since degaussing is a quick process, it can be performed at the client's location, or the client can come to our facility to observe the degaussing process.

• Environmental – degaussed devices cannot be repurposed and must be recycled.

• Degaussing can only be performed on magnetic media.

• The degausser does not provide a certificate. That is produced by Pupfish. A video tape of the degaussing process is available at the request of the customer.

• Pupfish physically destroys devices in accordance with NAID Standards – the device will not function under normal operating conditions. Pupfish will adapt and utilize multiple destruction types based on the specifics of the device.

• Bending – After degaussing, Pupfish utilizes the DB4000 to damage hard drives (HDD’s) so the platters are damaged to the point that they will not spin.

• Shredding - Digital media such as Smartphones, mini-tablets USB-sticks and SSDs are physically destroyed in accordance with NAID guidelines, by shredding to 4x15mm particles using our FLASHEX solid state shredder. Shredding may be done in addition to, or instead of sanitizing.

Yes! As part of our NAID AAA Certification, we undergo comprehensive scheduled and unannounced audits. NAID Audits include the testing of devices that we have sanitized and degaussed to be taken to a NAID facility and evaluated for lingering traces of data by experts. Pupfish also has a detailed and documented internal Quality Control procedure in place.

We pride ourselves in de-manufacturing and disassembling much of the equipment ourselves. Once the material has been broken down to the basic components, we bring it to a local responsible R2 certified downstream recycling partner who is able to repurpose the base elements into new uses.

Yes, there are costs involved when it comes to disposing of your old electronics. Individual quotes are based on the type of e-waste you have, data destruction needs, collection location and de-manufacturing, and recycling logistics.

Whether your company has a just a few extremely sensitive pieces of media or an entire data center of storage devices, we will be happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Data and images are stored on the hard drives inside desktops, laptops, printers, scanners, copiers, and servers. Data can also be stored on tablets, mobile phones, thin clients, USB flash drives, smart watches, Compact Discs (CD’S), DVD’s, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, SD Cards, SIM cards to name a few.

Yes, Pupfish is qualified to contract with Government Agencies. For more information, including our CAGE code, please email info@pupfishusa.com.