ExaGrid With SecureErase Feature for HDDs After Backup

ExaGrid Systems, Inc. has extended its security capabilities by introducing a new SecureErase feature to permanently and safely delete confidential data from disk following the backup process.

Compliant with Department of Defense standard (DoD 5220-22-M) and National Institute of Standards and Technology standard (NIST SP800-88), the feature ensures that organizations can comply when required to remove backup data from ExaGrid’s disk-based backup appliance.

For organizations with high security concerns and strict confidentiality rules, a feature that securely erases is critical. In most file systems, deletion simply means marking areas of the disk free, leaving the deleted data in place until it is overwritten later. This is not adequate for organizations with high security concerns and confidentiality rules. These organizations need absolute certainty that they can remove confidential data and that it is truly destroyed and can never be recovered – even by a professional with significant expertise in data recovery. SecureErase makes it possible to execute a secure erasure procedure to remove data that must be deleted, while destroying as little of the surrounding data as possible.

SecureErase joins the list of enterprise security features found in the ExaGrid product line such as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption at rest and vulnerability hardening. FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption at rest uses enterprise-class Self-Encrypting Drive technology in ExaGrid’s EX7000 and EX13000E appliances, to automatically encrypt all data on the disk drive without any action required by users. This provides security for data-at-rest and helps reduce IT drive retirement costs in the data center. In addition, vulnerability hardening helps customers maintain compliance with standards such as Payment Card Industry (PCI) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Marc Crespi, VP of Product Management, ExaGrid Systems, said: "Many of ExaGrid’s more than 4,200 customer installations house sensitive customer and client data;these include federal, state and local governments, financial services organizations, insurance and legal firms, banks and other organizations. Our customer base needs to know that selected files can be securely and permanently disposed of quickly and easily, following the backup process. The new SecureErase feature fully complies with DoD and NIST standards, adding piece of mind and an additional level of security for our customers that need it most."

The Secure Erase feature is available.