Re: [tlug] Disposing of hard drives

[Kalin KOZHUHAROV <me.kalin@example.com>]

On Thu, Apr 19, 2018 at 12:11 PM, Curt Sampson <cjs@example.com> wrote:
> On 2018-04-19 09:51 +0200 (Thu), Kalin KOZHUHAROV wrote:
>
>> For an extra step, smash the ICs on the controller board (single
>> hammer blow is enough usually).
>
> Is there any useful information in the non-volatile storage on those ICs?
> Is there even any non-volatile storage?
>
Yes and yes.
Usually not user data, but beware those hybrid (SSHD) drives!
Quick picture search turned up this
https://techreport.com/review/25425/seagate-desktop-sshd-2tb-hybrid-drive-reviewed

Some drives store encryption keys in the main controller memory (yes
that will require reading the warped platters, but still).

> I'm curious: how does this help?
It is easy enough step that does not hurt.

DoD still considers only physical shredding/incinerating the only safe
method for top secret data, LoL.

Kalin.