Magnet Can Erase Memory of HDD, True or False?

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A magnet can erase the memory of a hard drive, true or false?
Is it true that if you bring a magnet near a hard drive, it can erase its memory? So already, I don’t really see why we would do that, the idea is a little weird in itself. But hey, you never know, if you’re the type to store your things haphazardly and the hard drive that contains your whole life falls next to a magnet, it would be better to avoid disaster.