HDD, SSD, and Data: The Difference
When you deleted a file in the traditional mechanical hard drives, it isn't removed from the operating system. Space where the file was previously located is marked 'unused,' and a new file can occupy that space. A data recovery software can easily recover that file from the unused space before a new file overwrites the unused space. A file that you write on an SSD isn't copied on a physical disk. Instead, it gets written on a block. With every write process, the memory of the SSD wears out. Moreover, when you delete a file on the SSD, a TRIM command is issued. This TRIM command overwrites that file instead of simply marking the file location as 'unused' (as in mechanical hard drives).
Therefore, it is not easy for data recovery software to recover data from an SSD, if the file is overwritten/erased, instead of deleted.
Click on this link to read more about HDD and SSD Comparison.
Data wiping and the age of an SSD
Unlike mechanical hard drives, SSDs use flash memory cells to store data. Once you fill the available memory of an SSD, it can only store new information by erasing older data (by overwriting). This is known as program/erase or P/E cycle. It is also important to note that while writing files, an SSD will give priority to writing files on a used sector of the SSD, rather than overwriting on an unused sector.
An SSD has a limited number of P/E cycles, and with every P/E cycle, the memory of an SSD degrades until it is worn out. After this point, you won't be able to store information in your SSD.
This is why it is important to use secure methods to wipe files on your SSDs; failing to do so would reduce the lifespan of the drive.
How to securely wipe data from an SSD?
The important question now remains is how to securely wipe your SSD without damaging the drive? This brings us to the concept of "Clean".
There are two recommended methods.
1. SSD Clean
The first method involves using the built-in ATA Secure Erase command. ATA Secure Erase is a command which resets all the available SSD blocks to a "clean memory state". Unlike the TRIM command, the ATA Secure Erase command doesn't overwrite anything on the SSD. It just causes a voltage spike on the SSD's flash memory blocks. This process resets all the available blocks, and the SSD is marked as "clean".
2. File Erasure software
Sometimes ATA Secure Erase command isn't enough. Especially when you want to be 100% assured that your SSD won't be damaged and data cannot be recovered after the wiping operation. This is where professional file erasure software like Stellar File Eraser comes into the picture. Stellar File Eraser uses secure erasure techniques to wipe the contents from your SSD safely, and assures you that the data won't be recovered.
The team at BitRaser has extensive experience working with all type of storage devices, including SSDs and data scenarios. BitRaser SSD software is ADISA (Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance) certified. It ensures that you get a premium value for the product, if you decide to sell your SSD. Overall, BitRaser protects your SSD and safeguards your privacy.
How to securely wipe your files with Stellar File Eraser
Install and launch the software.
The main software interface screen will list all your connected drives.
You can select the file from the required drive to erase.
Then click Erase Now option to start erasure.
Image 1: Stellar File Eraser Home Screen for Windows displaying the list of storage drives
Image 2: BitRaser file eraser for Mac, displaying the list of files and folders for erasure.
Conclusion
SSDs are a new technology, and there are plenty of apprehensions regarding their maintenance and usage. Unsafe data wiping techniques can indeed damage the SSD. If you are looking to resell your SSD, then you should take extra precautions to ensure that your drive is wiped securely. A recommended product for this purpose is Stellar File Eraser that uses advanced erasure techniques to wipe your SSD. It also ensures that the data in your drive remains inaccessible to any data recovery software. So don't miss the opportunity and install Stellar File Eraser today.
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