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Forum Discussion
Fastest way to FUBAR a raid 5 array?
Hi guys, I have a ReadyNas Pro 4 with 4 2TB disks in a raid 5 array. I have a hard time to find out if it is possible to use some kind of file encryption on it the way I would like it to work. Whe...
If the magnetic field is strong enough it will degauss the drive - erasing the data, but also the servo tracks. This would make the drive unusable. It might also physically damage the motor (particularly if you are using AC power, so the magnetic field is alternating also).
http://www.packetsniffers.org/bitbucket/degaussing.html is an old article, but doesn't identify the strength of the magnet that was used. Higher density drives need higher field strengths to bulk erase them.
If you simply want to remove the data, all new drives have a secure erase command. You need to be connected with SATA to use it (not through a USB adapter). Seatools can run this command, as can hdparm. It does take a while to execute, and of course can only be done if the drive is basically working.
http://www.packetsniffers.org/bitbucket/degaussing.html is an old article, but doesn't identify the strength of the magnet that was used. Higher density drives need higher field strengths to bulk erase them.
If you simply want to remove the data, all new drives have a secure erase command. You need to be connected with SATA to use it (not through a USB adapter). Seatools can run this command, as can hdparm. It does take a while to execute, and of course can only be done if the drive is basically working.
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