How Can Data Be Removed From An Encrypted Hard Drive?

Data encryption is an additional security measure that guards against unauthorised access to private data kept on drive. But is it feasible to delete the media that contains encrypted data?

In order to prevent unauthorised access, encryption is the process of changing data from plaintext (unencrypted) to ciphertext (encrypted), an unintelligible code. Without an encryption key or password, encrypted data cannot be accessed. In the unlikely event that unauthorised access is somehow permitted to a computer network or storage device, encryption offers a strengthened layer of protection. In this situation, the hacker is unable to access the data.

What might cause you to desire to erase data from encrypted hard drives?

Here are two explanations:

• A hard drive was encrypted. You wish to get rid of the hard drive because you no longer need it.  You understand that someone else could decode it just as easily as you could. The data needs to be deleted right away. 
• You presume that since it’s usual practise, you must first encrypt the hard drive before deleting the data. If you’re not certain that your data cleaning was successful, your fear is justified. But why take a chance on this? Why not employ a data-erasing technique that can ensure that the data is permanently lost and unrecoverable?

In essence, you want to know how to erase your hard drive, regardless of whether it is encrypted. 

Let’s now discuss the how. 

• What are the most effective methods for wiping encrypted hard drives? 
• Which one of them ought to you pick? 

Don’t worry; this article contains all the solutions. Learn the three methods for wiping encrypted hard drives in the next five minutes. With that said, let’s get started.

Detailed Instructions on How to Wipe Encrypted Hard Drives

Make use of BitRaser Drive Eraser

For wiping encrypted SSDs or any other sort of hard drives, BitRaser Drive Eraser is the finest software currently available.

Check out the steps you must do to use BitRaser Drive Eraser to clean hard drives:

• To access the BitRaser System Eraser menu, restart the computer.
• Choose the drives from which you want to erase the data.
• After selecting the wiping algorithm and purchasing the licence, click “Erase.”

Read the Complete Guide on Using BitRaser Drive Eraser to Wipe Data from a Hard Drive.

Note: Using BitRaser to wipe data assures that it is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

For the following reasons, you should delete any encrypted hard drive data from your computer with BitRaser drive Eraser:

• Allows for the automated deletion of data from up to 32 hard discs without the requirement for installation. Additionally, the software automatically uploads the reports and erasure certificates to the cloud.
• Enables the erasure of data from all widely used disc types, including SATA, SCSI, USB, PATA, and SAS.
• Includes a cloud console for managing and distributing licences.
• Supports 24 widely used data erasure standards as well as 5 unique ones, including NIST 800-88, DoD 5220.22-M, NATO Standard, HMG, and Peter Gutmann.   
• Ensure conformity with numerous national and international data protection rules, generates tamper-proof certificates and reports of deletion.
• AES encryption is used to protect client-server communication. 
• Detects and cleans particular hidden disc regions, including HPA, remapped sectors, and DCO.
• Compatible with a range of block sizes.
• Suitable for RAID disassembly.
• Comes with top-notch algorithms to ensure that deleted data cannot be recovered.

Reset your computer

Windows 8.1 

To delete data from a Windows 8.1 computer, follow these instructions: 

• Select Settings. 
• Select Modify PC settings.
• Under the headline “Remove everything” click on Get Started to reinstall Windows.
• Pick the choice. the drive completely when requested.

Windows 10

See the methods listed below to delete data from a Windows 10 computer: 

• Select Windows by clicking it. 
• Select Settings.
• Simply select Update and Security. 
• In the sidebar, select Recovery. 
• Select everything by clicking.
• Under the Additional Settings section, click Change Settings. 
• Turn clean data on, then select Confirm.
• Select Reset after choosing next.

Windows 11

The steps are as follows: 

• Select Windows by clicking it. 
• Select Settings.
• Click on Recovery after choosing System from the menu on the left.
• After that, select Reset PC.
• Decide to remove everything.
• Pick a Windows reinstallation method. Change Settings by clicking it.
• Turn on the Clean data switch, then select Confirm.
• After selecting Next, choose Reset.

Reset the Mac

Using an Intel processor

• See the procedure below:
• Switch off the Mac.
• As soon as you touch the Power button, press Command + R until the Apple logo appears.
• Choose Disc Utility from the list of choices that appears.
• Select a file system after clicking on Erase.
• Click on the Security Options link if it appears to be active. Then, to select the option that is the most secure, move the slider all the way to the right. The Disc Utility cannot securely wipe the drive if the Security Options feature is not enabled.
• After selecting Erase, click Done.

Using an M1 chip.

To remove data from a Mac with an M1 chip, follow these steps:

• Switch off the Mac.
• Hold down the Power button until the Startup Options window appears. 
• Choose Options.
• After that, select Disc Utility.
• The Macintosh HD can be selected from the side menu.
• After choosing Erase, choose a file system for your drive.
• Simply select Erase Volume Group.

We believe that knowing how to delete encrypted hard drives will enable you to make the best choice possible.