CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) — Question 177

A technician is disposing of computer hardware that contains PHI. The drive must be reusable.
Which of the following methods should be used?

Answer options

• A. Degauss
• B. Drive wipe
• C. Standard format
• D. Low-level format

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Low-level formatting is the best method in this scenario as it prepares the drive for reuse while securely erasing data. Degaussing destroys the drive's data but renders it unusable, while a drive wipe may not be thorough enough for PHI, and standard formatting does not effectively erase all data.