CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) — Question 48

A company has just refreshed several desktop PCs. The hard drives contain PII. Which of the following is the BEST method to dispose of the drives?

Answer options

• A. Drilling
• B. Degaussing
• C. Low-level formatting
• D. Erasing/wiping

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Degaussing is the most effective method as it disrupts the magnetic fields on the hard drives, rendering the data unrecoverable. Drilling may physically destroy the drive but does not ensure all data is unrecoverable. Low-level formatting and erasing/wiping might leave data recoverable with advanced techniques, making them less secure for disposing of drives containing PII.