Degaussing definition - What is a Degausser? https://www.veritysystems.com/degaussing-an-introduction/ It is a machine used to eliminate data stored on computer and laptop hard drives, floppy disks and magnetic tape, by randomly changing the alignment of magnetic domains on the medium. Degaussing takes its meaning from Johann Gauss (1777-1855) a mathematician who studied and worked on electro-magnetic fields. Data is stored on magnetic media by making very small areas called magnetic domains change their magnetic alignment to be in the direction of an applied magnetic field. This process is effective in a range of industries including video, audio, computer, broadcast and data security. Benefits of Using a Degausser Assurance that all sensitive data has been erased permanently Disposes classified media quickly, safely and in-house Improvement in the quality of output Sizeable savings in operating costs Meets the NSA and CESG requirements for sanitisation of classified information Simply overwriting magnetic media does not completely erase data. Only a degausser can remove data 100% and ensure that confidential data is securely and completely erased. How does a Degausser work? It works by passing any magnetic media through a powerful magnet field to rearrange the polarity of the particles, thus completely removing any resemblance of previously recorded data. Although this process of course is simple in theory, in practice, the vast variation of media formats and magnetic densities makes the correct process quite difficult to achieve. The degausser is constructed in such a way as to enable the generated magnetic field to be available to the media when it is transported through it, which can be by physically holding the media and moving it through the field by hand, having it automatically conveyed by a belt transporter or rotated on a motorized spindle. Points to Consider When Choosing a Degausser Type of media used: What formats do you need to be degaussed? Different degaussers can handle different types of media. Volume of media: How much media do you need to degauss and in what sort of timeframe? Density of media: Magnetic media varies in its density. You will need a degausser with enough power to completely erase data on your media. Type of Operation: Manual or Automatic. Do you have enough time to erase tapes manually or would you prefer an automated system? Proposed location of degausser: How much room do you have for a degausser?
