Media Sanitisation

Data Sanitisation & Erasure

Software-based sanitisation for eligible storage media where controlled reuse, redeployment, or value recovery remains an objective. Delivered for organisations across Malaysia, with erasure results and reporting defined for each project.

Technician reviewing software-based data erasure results
Overview

Sanitisation designed around the intended outcome.

A sanitisation project begins with the media type, device condition, data sensitivity, and intended next use. Not every device can be processed in the same way, and failed or inaccessible media may require a different treatment path.

Projects can be scoped with reference to NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 2. The specific technique, validation approach, and reporting fields are agreed before processing.

Approach

Sanitise, validate, and record

Eligibility is assessed before equipment enters a reuse or value-recovery workflow.

Assess

Review the device, media technology, condition, access credentials, data sensitivity, and intended disposition.

Sanitise

Run the agreed software-based technique on eligible media and isolate devices that fail or cannot be processed.

Validate

Record processing results and route exceptions to the agreed alternative, which may include physical destruction.

Documentation

Records defined around your project.

Deliverables are confirmed before work begins so stakeholders know what evidence will be available at completion.

Available within the agreed scope

  • Asset or media processing status
  • Erasure result or certificate when included in scope
  • Exception and failure report
  • Disposition routing for successfully processed assets

Reference to NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 2 does not mean every technique is suitable for every storage technology. Suitability is established during scoping.

Technical reference: NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 2

Common Questions

Planning this service.

These answers cover the points most often clarified during initial scoping. Final methods, records, and commercial terms are confirmed in the project proposal.

Can every device be sanitised for reuse?

No. Eligibility depends on the media technology, device condition, access, supported commands, encryption state, and the intended next use. Failed or inaccessible media needs an agreed exception route.

What happens when an erasure attempt fails?

The item is isolated and recorded as an exception. It can then follow the alternative route agreed for the project, which may include another approved sanitisation technique or physical destruction.

What does an erasure report contain?

Fields vary by tool and scope, but can include asset or media identifiers, processing status, timestamps, technique or policy reference, and exception results.

Related Services

Related services

Combine services into one coordinated, documented IT asset retirement project across Malaysia.

Next Step

Scope a sanitisation project

Share your asset types, estimated quantity, location, timing, and reporting requirements. Arkiva will review the scope and contact you about the appropriate next step.

Start an Enquiry