You may know that it’s crucial to remove information from hard drives before disposing of them- but do you know the ins and outs of what that means? At Securis, we have the answers.
What’s the Best Way to Destroy a Hard Drive?
There are two common ways to destroy hard drives and render the confidential information that remains on them inaccessible: degaussing and shredding.
Degaussing Hard Drives
Degaussing hard drives can be the first (or only) step in data destruction. The degaussing process erases data, changing the magnetic domain in which data is stored. Using magnets, it scrambles stored information so it can not be retrieved. Keep in mind that degaussing does not work for solid state drives (SSDs). A previous Securis article contains information on destroying SSDs.
Shredding Hard Drives
Shredding hard drives ensures that all information is totally destroyed and rendered unusable. By completing this as a stand-alone service or following degaussing, you can be positive that your confidential information has been completely destroyed. Not only does this guarantee total data destruction, but you can be sure that degaussed hard drives will not be confused with hard drives that still have data on them.
Solid state drives are destroyed by microshredders so they do not slip through the cracks in a regular hard drive shredder.
Can Information be Retrieved from a Shredded Hard Drive?
There is no way to retrieve information from a shredded hard drive if the correct shredding process is followed. By grinding and shredding, materials like magnetic fields and magnetic tapes can no longer be put back together in order to recover information.
How Much Does it Cost to Shred a Hard Drive?
For residential customers, our Virginia locations hold monthly drop-off events where hard drives can be shredded for $5 each or $10 if they are still inside a computer.
For our corporate customers, we know that data security is vital, so we provide various hard drive shredding services. If chain of custody issues are of concern, we can bring our mobile shredding truck on-site for supervised destruction.
We also offer off-site shredding to those who need assurance that their assets will be destroyed appropriately but need the equipment out of their office or space quickly. With either service, Securis will provide a certificate of destruction for reporting purposes. Prices vary depending on the services needed.
Christopher Madeira
Director of Marketing
ITAD Communications & Strategy Expert
Snapshot / Quick Stats
- 15+ years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, and communications
- Specialized in IT asset disposition (ITAD) messaging for compliance-driven industries
- Former leadership roles at The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and other respected publishers
- Key focus areas: Market Trends, Client Education, ITAD Compliance Messaging, Thought Leadership, SEO-Driven Strategy
Areas of Specialization
- Market Trends & Competitive Analysis – Tracks shifts in ITAD, resale, and sustainability markets to shape strategy and keep Securis ahead of industry developments.
- ITAD Compliance & Security Messaging – Crafts clear narratives that translate regulatory and data security requirements into approachable guidance for IT leaders.
- Client & Stakeholder Education – Builds educational resources and thought leadership content that empower clients to make informed ITAD decisions with confidence.
Professional Narrative (Career Journey)
Christopher Madeira is the Director of Marketing at Securis, where he shapes how the company communicates its mission of Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable IT Asset Disposition to regulated industries, government agencies, and enterprise clients. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Christopher brings a unique perspective on how to bridge technical ITAD processes with clear, client-centered storytelling.
Before joining Securis, Christopher served in senior marketing roles across publishing and education organizations, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, CQ Press, and Congressional Quarterly. These positions gave him deep expertise in shaping brand positioning, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering content that informs and engages decision-makers.
At Securis, Christopher drives marketing strategies that not only build awareness but also educate IT leaders on data security, compliance, and sustainability best practices. His work ensures that Securis remains a trusted voice in the ITAD industry, aligning brand authority with the company’s core differentiators: Secure, Accurate, and Sustainable services.
Quote
“Clear communication makes complex ITAD issues approachable for IT leaders.”
Thought Leadership & Recognition
Christopher is the author of numerous Securis blog articles on compliance, sustainability, and ITAD strategy. He has also developed content campaigns that help IT decision-makers understand the evolving landscape of secure data destruction, ESG reporting, and value recovery.
Personal
A strategist at heart, Christopher is passionate about helping organizations cut through the noise and understand the real risks — and opportunities — in ITAD. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys exploring D.C.’s history, traveling, connecting with his community, and aviation photography.
Trust & Transparency
Christopher ensures that every piece of Securis’ external communication is not only accurate but also aligned with the certifications and compliance standards that define the company’s reputation. His commitment to transparency reinforces Securis’ standing as a trusted partner for IT asset disposition.
