“Byte”-sized IT Services

Data Destruction

When data needs to go, it needs to be gone for good.

CTRL-A offers secure media sanitization and destruction services to help you permanently eliminate sensitive data from retired devices, drives, documents, and more. Whether you're disposing of hard drives, cleaning out a storage closet, or decommissioning office equipment, we make sure your data doesn’t leave a trace.

A gray metal trash can filled with used orange prescription pill bottles and a recycling disc.

Why Secure Media Destruction Matters

Simply deleting files or reformatting drives is not enough. Digital information—whether stored on a hard drive, SSD, phone, or ID badge—can often be recovered using basic tools. Physical documents present a similar risk if they're thrown out or recycled without proper shredding.

Improper disposal can lead to:

  • Data breaches

  • Identity theft

  • Regulatory penalties under HIPAA, CCPA, GLBA, and others

  • Reputational damage and lost client trust

That’s why sanitization and destruction must be deliberate, verifiable, and aligned with industry best practices.

What We Sanitize and Destroy

CTRL-A handles a wide variety of physical and digital media, using NIST-compliant processes and commercial-grade equipment.

MEDIA TYPE

• Hard Drives (HDDs)

• Solid State Drives (SSDs)

• USB Drives / SD Cards

• Paper Documents

• Laptops & Workstations

• Mobile Devices & Tablets

• NFC Tags / Smart Cards / Badges

• Credit Cards

DESTRUCTION METHOD

• NIST 800-88 compliant multi-pass wiping or physical destruction

• Logical wiping (TRIM-aware, where supported), followed by physical shredding by certified e-waste specialists

• Overwriting or crushing

• DIN P-5 micro-cut shredding

• Drives wiped or removed for destruction; hardware disposed of responsibly

• Data wipe via MDM and/or full physical destruction

• Disabled using specialized tools, then physically destroyed

• Magnetic strip disablement + physical shredding

We partner with certified e-waste recyclers to handle physical destruction of media that contains residual data risk after wiping—ensuring everything is processed securely and sustainably.

Tools and
Standards We Follow

A black cat with yellow eyes lying on a gray surface.

CTRL-A follows NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 guidelines for all media sanitization.

Our process includes:

  • Hardware-based drive overwriting (for HDDs and supported SSDs)

  • Drive verification logging for audit or compliance needs

  • DIN P-5 micro-cut shredding for paper and ID media

  • Specialized equipment to neutralize smart tags or wireless credential devices

  • Chain-of-custody tracking for drives and devices handed off for destruction

Need data destroyed?

Whether you’re decommissioning office tech or clearing out a stack of drives, CTRL-A ensures your sensitive data is sanitized or destroyed in full compliance with legal and industry requirements.

We offer on-site services, pickups, and documentation for every job.