Video: HDD vs thermite

Posted on Saturday, September 20 2008 @ 18:35 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

It's pretty hard to get properly get rid off all data on a hard disk, after several formats or even after rewriting everything on your disk several times with random data it's still possible to recover (some) of your private data.

Hack a Day shows you how to do the job properly with some thermite:

Our goal was to completely destroy the drive while it was still in the computer case. The theoretical application is to destroy the disk at a moments notice so it won’t fall into the wrong hands. After testing multiple methods, placing about 1 pound of thermite in a clay flower pot and lighting from the drain hole in the bottom yielded the best results. This could easily be placed in the 5.25″ bays above the drive.

Don't try this at home

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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