Sanitize or Erase: Which Is Best for SSDs?

Solid state drives (SSDs) offer many benefits over their hard drive (HDD) counterparts. With faster read/write times, better performance, much quieter sounds, and lower power consumption, SSDs are, all-in-all, a powerful replacement for HDDs.

In most situations, they can be treated similarly once it’s time to destroy or otherwise dispose of them. Still, when it comes to getting rid of the data they’ve stored, there are specific processes that must be used for the best results.

To recover an SSD, the data must first be properly disposed of. Removing the data from an SSD is generally done by using either Sanitize or  Erase operations.

Putting data back into its raw state through these methods is a practical way to ensure data is properly discarded before getting rid of the device, but the two do have some important differences. To remove data from your SSD and restore it to factory settings, you must choose to either Sanitize or Erase, but which is better?

Sanitize for SSDs

Sanitizing is a comprehensive method of SSD data erasure that removes the entirety of the contents on the drive. By resetting the SSD’s storage cells to an empty state, Sanitize offers an effective way to secure data while restoring device performance. Sanitize ensures data can never be recovered.

Erase for SSDs

Erase doesn’t provide a fully-comprehensive method for wiping SSDs, but it is a much faster option. Erase is also a universally-supported feature for SSDs, making it a go-to option for most users. Most device manufacturers provide tools for users to access and configure their SSDs, which is where they’ll be able to find the Secure Erase option.

Which Is Better?

Even though it’s a much more effective method, not all manufacturers include a Sanitize option in their device specs because of this, making it a less versatile option than Secure Erase.

While, for the most common use cases, Secure Erase is probably easiest, users who have access to the Sanitize option should take advantage of it, given it provides better protection for your data. Secure Erase provides a simple way to erase data, but it probably won’t be enough if you’re selling or throwing out your device if you want your data permanently removed.

Make Sure Your Data Is Securely Erased with SEAM

If you want to make sure your data is truly gone before destroying or disposing of your SSD? Secure Enterprise Asset Management (SEAM) specializes in value recovery for end-of-life (EOL) devices so you can keep your data safe while getting maximum ROI for your assets.

If you need secure electronics recycling, wiping, or shredding, we’re here to ensure everything is compliant from start to finish. SEAM offers NAID AAA-certified SSD and HDD wiping, shredding, and sanitization services across South Dakota and North Dakota.

If you’re in Sioux Falls or the surrounding area, then SEAM is here to take care of your technology equipment. Find out for yourself how SEAM can improve your IT asset management process by calling now!