Difference between "One Byte" and "Big Random Data" in Erase Pattern?

Hello everyone,

the device I use to erase hard drives is a SATDUP11.

There’s a setting option for “Erase Pattern” under menu item 6.4.3.

My questions:

What’s the difference between “One Byte” and “Big Random Data” in “Erase Pattern”?

By “One Byte” I understand “00” or “FF”.

And with “One Byte” setting enabled, the LCD display shows “Erase[00].”

So I believe Startech only overwrites hard drives with “00.”

But what exactly is “Big Random Data”? Overwriting the hard drive with random values?

During the erase process, with “Big Random Data” setting enabled, the LCD display shows “Erase[4M].”

What does “4M” mean in this case?

Maybe someone can provide more detailed information.

Best regards,
Cpuprofi

Hello @Cpuprofi,

Thank you for taking the time to ask your question about the SATDUP11 here on the StarTech.com Community.

We have both a manual and a quick start guide available on the drivers and downloads section for the SATDUP11 product page.

SATDUP11 Drivers & Downloads - https://www.startech.com/en-us/hdd/satdup11#driver-and-downloads

While there are some hints in a couple of places in these documents, you are right, there is not a lot of clear detail. Page 8 of the full manual shows the DoD erase functions which includes both ‘00’ and ‘ff’ patterns. But this may not apply to the other erase modes.

After reviewing our product information more closely. I found a few notes that offer some additional clues. It looks like the One Byte method is slower but may be preferred particularly if there is some concern about the integrity of the drive itself. A byte by byte level operation is going to take longer than a larger payload because more work can be completed within the same quantity of operations.

The larger random data operation (Big Random Data Method) uses a 4 Byte payload instead of 1 Byte. I suspect that this is why there is the 4M reference.

I have worked with our duplicators and erasers before, but I have not used this one directly. Perhaps I can check with my colleagues for more insight if no one else on the community can weigh in.

Also, I am curious why you need these details. Do you have a particular compliance requirement, or is there another purpose?

Please let me know if this answers your questions.

Sincerely,

@DavidF

Hello DavidF,

first of all, thank you very much for your answer.

Unfortunately, there are many regulations in Germany that regolates data protection (BDSG, DSGVO, GDPR, etc.).

Therefore, I would like to know what are the differences between the individual erasing methods in order to evaluate them in terms of effort, time and data security.

I have further questions on the topic:

Is there a security difference between the “One Byte” and the “Big Random Data” erasing methods?

How much faster is the erasing process using the “Big Random Data” erasing method compared to the “One Byte” erasing method?

I assume that both erasing methods overwrite the complete hard drive.

Perhaps you or one of your colleagues can answer these questions?

Best regards,
Cpuprofi

Hello @Cpuprofi,

Thank you for providing these details. Since you have some very specific questions that are outside of the data provided in our standard documentation, it may be best for me to create a case and reach out to you directly.

Would it be okay if I email you at the address you provided when you signed up for the StarTech.com community?

Sincerely,

@DavidF

Hello DavidF,

feel free to contact me via the email address provided.

Best regards,
Cpuprofi