This KB explains simple steps to perform secure data wiping of SATA drives using BitRaser Drive Eraser Software.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is the default interface of most hard drives and SSDs used in desktops and laptops. They are known for excellent storage capacities, holding terabytes of data, yet being less expensive, & offering flawless compatibility with all operating systems and motherboards. SATA III, the most recent version of SATA, found on modern motherboards enable fast data transfers for an HDD in comparison to traditional SATA hard drives. Modern SATA drives generally range from 500GB to 16TB and are suitable for bulk storage needs. BitRaser Drive Eraser software helps you securely sanitize these SATA drives, leaving no scope for recovery, even in the forensic lab.
How to securely erase SATA drives with BitRaser?
Follow the step-by-step instructions to completely sanitize the SATA drives in order to achieve data privacy and security.
1. For Performing Data Erasure On Internet Enabled Facility:
Key Requirements:
- USB flash drive: 2GB or more to create a bootable media
- Internet Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Step 1: Post-purchase log in to your BitRaser cloud account using credentials received in your email and download BitRaser ISO.
Step 2: Burn the downloaded ISO file on a USB using the latest version of a free utility Rufus (for Windows) or Balena Etcher (for Mac) to create a bootable drive.
Step 3: Plug the bootable USB into the host machine or server with all the required SATA drives to be wiped and power on the system. Choose the USB drive from the boot menu.
Step 4: BitRaser software home screen will list out all the connected SATA drives. Carefully select the ones that need to be sanitized beyond recovery. Also, select the desired method of data erasure from the dropdown list at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Click the ‘Erase’ button to confirm erasure and start wiping. The software will initiate the data erasure process and display the progress status.
Once the procedure is over, BitRaser software will automatically generate a tamper-proof report and certificate of erasure. You can download them from your BitRaser Cloud account anytime and anywhere with secure cloud access.
Note:
- You may refer to the BitRaser Deployment Guide or watch this video for detailed instructions on wiping drives with the internet.
- Further, you may refer to ISO customization steps in order to save time while performing erasure. Customization can be done to eliminate repetitive steps of selecting WiFi, erasure method, verification options, technician’s name, etc. thereby bringing operational efficiency. To know about the benefits of ISO customization, you may also read our article.
2. For Performing Data Erasure On Facilities Without Internet:
Key Requirements:
- Software & BitRaser License USB Drive
The software is physically shipped in a set of two USB sticks, one with a bootable ISO image and the other containing BitRaser licenses.
Step 1: Connect both the software and BitRaser license USBs with the host machine or server and power on the system. Select the BitRaser USB from the boot menu.
Step 2: BitRaser software home screen will appear displaying a list of connected SATA drives. Select the drives you need to wipe and choose the required data erasure method (like NIST 800-88, DOD 3 Pass, etc.) from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Click ‘Erase’ to begin the wiping process.
Erasure reports & certificates in the offline erasure process will be saved in the BitRaser bootable USB (4GB capacity). You can easily export these audit trails into your BitRaser secure cloud if you have your cloud credentials with us.
You may refer to the BitRaser Deployment Guide or watch this video for detailed instructions on wiping drives without the Internet. You may also refer to the sample erasure report below.
