How Much Does A Dod Delete Cost

How Much Does a DOD Delete Cost? Understanding the Price of Data Removal

The cost of a DOD (Department of Defense) delete, also known as a secure erase or data sanitization, isn't a fixed price. It depends on several factors, making it impossible to give a single definitive answer to "how much does a DOD delete cost?". Let's break down the variables influencing the overall expense.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a DOD Delete

Several key factors determine the final price you'll pay for a DOD delete:

1. Data Storage Medium:

• Hard Drives (HDDs): The cost varies based on the drive's size and the method used for the delete. Larger drives generally cost more to sanitize.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): SSDs often require more specialized techniques for secure erasure, leading to potentially higher costs compared to HDDs.
• Other Media: The cost for deleting data from tapes, USB drives, or other storage devices will vary based on the medium's type and capacity.

2. Data Volume:

The more data you need to securely erase, the more time and resources it will take, resulting in a higher cost. This is especially true for specialized services that deal with large-scale data destruction.

3. Method of Deletion:

Different methods achieve DOD-compliant deletion. Some are faster and less expensive while others, providing higher assurance, are more costly. These methods include:

• Overwriting: This involves writing random data over the existing data multiple times. The number of passes influences the level of security and cost.
• Physical Destruction: This method, such as shredding hard drives, is generally more expensive than data overwriting. However, it offers the highest level of assurance that data is irretrievable.
• Specialized Software: Using specific software for data sanitization can range in cost, depending on the features and capabilities of the software.

4. Service Provider:

Different service providers have different pricing structures. Some may charge per device, per gigabyte, or offer packages depending on the volume of data and the required level of security. Factors such as their reputation, location, and the level of certification they hold (like NAID certification) can also impact costs.

5. Additional Services:

Some service providers may offer additional services that increase the overall cost. These could include:

• Data Destruction Certification: Receiving a certificate verifying the successful and secure deletion of your data adds to the cost.
• On-site Services: Having a technician come to your location to perform the DOD delete will be more expensive than shipping the storage devices to a service provider.
• Data Wipe Verification: Verifying the successful deletion of data can add additional expenses.

Estimating the Cost

Unfortunately, a precise price range is difficult to provide. However, you can expect costs to range from a few dollars for a single small drive to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for large-scale data sanitization projects involving many devices and high levels of security.

Getting Quotes

The best way to determine the cost of a DOD delete for your specific needs is to contact several reputable data destruction service providers and request quotes. Be sure to provide them with details about the type and quantity of storage media, the amount of data, and your required security level. This will enable them to provide you with an accurate estimate. Remember to check reviews and ensure they comply with all relevant data security regulations.