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Destroying data securely - Optical storage media

Although data carriers such as hard drives or electronic data carriers (e.g. a USB stick) are often used for the storage of personal and confidential data, in many companies and authorities these data are still stored on optical data carriers such as CDs. Although the CD as a data carrier is slowly but surely disappearing, it is still considered a simple and fast way to store data. However, the destruction of these data CDs must also be carried out in accordance with data protection regulations.

This means that even when CDs are destroyed, care must be taken to ensure that the data is irretrievably destroyed. It must not be possible to reconstruct the contents of these data media.

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Erasing data on a CD

If there is sensitive or personal data on a CD, this data can be removed from the CD by deleting it.

However, this does not mean it has been irretrievably deleted, just like the simple deletion of data on other data carriers. This is because it is still possible to recover these deleted data from a CD. If the CD containing deleted data falls into the wrong hands, the data can be restored and thus be read by unauthorized persons.

Scratching a CD

Making the data on a CD inaccessible by scratching the underside of the CD is not enough, as this usually does not suffice to make the data completely unreadable. Even if a drive can no longer process this CD, it may be possible for other devices to read the data. This is especially true for CDs that have a second polycarbonate disc that protects the optical data media from exactly such damage.

Cutting a CD

If you decide to destroy the data on a CD by cutting it up, a considerable amount of effort is required to cut or break it, in particular if there is sensitive or personal data on it. In this case the CD must be destroyed so it is in pieces with particle sizes of maximum 160 mm2 according to ISO/IEC 21964 (DIN 66399). Such small, sharp-edged splinters pose a considerable risk of injury.

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Painting a CD

Making the data on a CD unreadable by painting the underside is completely insufficient to irretrievably destroy the data in accordance with data protection laws. The markings/paintings can be removed very easily and the data read. 

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Burning CDs

Burning CDs to destroy the data is an effective, but extremely harmful method of destroying the data. Toxic gases are released during the combustion process. These harm both people and the environment. Furthermore, any pieces of the CD remaining must be disposed of properly. Additionally, if CDs are taken home for destruction by incineration, you expose yourself to the risk of data misuse as well as the data being read by third parties if the CDs are lost or stolen en route. 

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Putting the CD in the microwave

Data destruction of CDs by using a microwave is also not suitable. Heating an optical disc in the microwave is a dangerous method because sparks are generated during the process which therefore poses a significant fire hazard.

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Secure destruction of optical data media

In order to destroy optical data carriers (such as CDs) securely, irretrievably and in accordance with data protection regulations, the use of a shredder is recommended. It is not absolutely necessary to purchase a separate shredder for optical data carriers because, depending on their features, modern document shredders now also destroy data carriers other than paper.

Find the suitable HSM Digital Data Media Shredder for your requirements!