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Tag: media sanitization

New device simplifies secure disposal of computer hard drives, tapes

Posted on by Harvard Townsend (harv@ksu.edu)

K-State recently purchased a device that simplifies the proper disposal of magnetic storage media such as computer hard drives, tapes, and floppy disks. The device is a Garner HDTD-8800 DeGausser, for those who care about such details, which is basically a very strong magnet that scrambles data on the storage media in a manner that prevents recovery of the data. Located in K-State’s Recycling Center behind Weber Hall, Facilities staff now process all hard disks, tapes, and floppy disks with the degausser before disposal.

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New IT security policy requires removal of data before disposing of media

Posted on by Harvard Townsend (harv@ksu.edu)

To protect sensitive university data from unauthorized disclosure when the media that stores the data is disposed of or reused, K-State’s new Media Sanitization and Disposal Policy is now in effect and has been published in the university’s PPM.

“Media sanitization” is a process by which all data are permanently removed from storage media in a manner that prevents their recovery. This applies to anything that can store data — computer hard drives, CDs and DVDs, backup tapes, USB flash drives, and even paper. We can employ the most strict security controls to protect data while in our possession, but it is all for not if the data remain on a computer hard drive when that system is disposed of, recycled, or reused.

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Return mainframe tapes by July 7 to CTS Operations

Posted on by IT editors

On June 30, Kansas State University will soon meet its long-term goal of decommissioning the mainframe. There are campus users still in possession of mainframe tapes. Please return all tapes by Tuesday, July 7, to the dispatcher’s window at CTS Operations, Hale 14. The university will have the tapes shredded by the state-approved vendor. Tapes returned after the deadline will not be accepted.

Individuals who choose to keep tapes will be responsible for their disposal in accordance with the university’s media sanitization policy.

Please direct all questions or concerns to Michael Brown (mibr@k-state.edu, 785-532-7847).