Ensure Unrecoverable Data on Hospital's Upgraded Computers
Question
The medical records department of a local hospital recently upgraded its computers.
A technician needs to ensure the data stored on the hard drives is unrecoverable.
Which of the following methods should the technician use to meet the requirement?
Answers
Explanations
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.D.
In this scenario, the technician needs to ensure that the data stored on the hard drives is unrecoverable after the hospital upgraded its computers. This is important because sensitive medical records contain confidential information, and if this data were to fall into the wrong hands, it could have serious consequences for the patients and the hospital.
There are several methods for ensuring that data is unrecoverable, and the technician needs to choose the most appropriate one. The four options provided in the exam are:
A. Standard format B. Low-level format C. Overwrite D. Degauss.
Let's discuss each of these methods in more detail:
A. Standard format: A standard format is a process of erasing all the data on a hard drive and replacing it with a fresh file system. However, this method does not erase the data completely, as the data can still be recovered using data recovery software. Therefore, it is not a secure method for ensuring that sensitive data is unrecoverable.
B. Low-level format: A low-level format is a more thorough method of erasing data from a hard drive. This method involves overwriting the entire hard drive with zeros, which makes it more difficult for data recovery software to recover the original data. However, it is still possible for someone with the right skills and equipment to recover the data, so this method is not completely secure either.
C. Overwrite: Overwriting is a more secure method of ensuring that data is unrecoverable. This method involves overwriting the entire hard drive multiple times with random data patterns, which makes it virtually impossible for data recovery software to recover the original data. However, this method can be time-consuming and may require special software.
D. Degauss: Degaussing is the most secure method of ensuring that data is unrecoverable. This method involves exposing the hard drive to a strong magnetic field, which permanently erases all the data on the hard drive. Degaussing is a quick and effective method, but it requires special equipment and should only be performed by a trained professional.
In conclusion, of the four methods provided in the exam, the most appropriate method for ensuring that the data stored on the hospital's hard drives is unrecoverable is option C, Overwrite. This method is secure and can be performed using special software. However, if the hospital wants to ensure the utmost security, it may choose to use option D, Degauss, which is the most secure method but requires special equipment and a trained professional.
