CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) — Question 268

Which of the following is a common data removal option for companies that want to wipe sensitive data from hard drives in a repeatable manner but allow the hard drives to be reused?

Answer options

• A. Sanitization
• B. Formatting
• C. Degaussing
• D. Defragmentation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

Sanitization is the process that ensures sensitive data is permanently removed while allowing hard drives to be reused. Formatting only prepares the drive for use again but does not securely erase data, while degaussing destroys the magnetic field, rendering the drive unusable. Defragmentation simply reorganizes data for efficiency and does not remove it.