CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) — Question 462

A technician received 300 old desktops following a recent computer upgrade. After taking inventory of the old machines, the technician must destroy the data on the HDDs.
Which of the following would be the MOST effective method to accomplish this task?

Answer options

• A. Drill
• B. Hammer
• C. Low-level format
• D. Degaussing

Correct answer: D

Explanation

Degaussing is the most effective method for erasing data on HDDs because it disrupts the magnetic fields that store the data, rendering it unrecoverable. Drilling and hammering may physically damage the drives but do not guarantee complete data destruction. A low-level format does not completely erase data and can potentially allow for data recovery.