Means to erase a storage device, such as a computer hard drive,
so thoroughly that no residual data can be collected from the device. Old
computer disks should be sanitized—and not only superficially erased—before
they are thrown away in order to avoid the possibility that a cracker can
obtain any valuable information from scavenging through an organizationÂ’s
garbage (electronic dumpster diving).
See Also:
Remanence; Residue.