CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What technique is used for data sanitization by removing all possibilities of recovery?

1. Purge

2. Clear

3. Overwrite

4. Destroy

The correct answer is: Purge

The technique referred to for data sanitization that effectively removes all possibilities of recovery is known as purging. When data is purged, it goes beyond just clearing or overwriting the data; it ensures that the data is completely and irretrievably removed from the storage medium. This involves methods such as cryptographic erasure, where the keys used to access the data are destroyed, making the data itself unrecoverable. Purge is particularly relevant for situations where sensitive information is involved and strict compliance with data protection regulations is necessary. It provides a higher level of assurance that no traces of the data will remain, thereby protecting against potential data breaches and unauthorized access. Other techniques such as clearing and overwriting may leave residual data or allow for recovery under certain circumstances, which does not meet the highest standards of data sanitization.