What is the most novel way you've disposed of a hard-drive?

[Hyperspeed]

People need to be aware of the computer forensics method called
`Magnetic Hysteresis' whereby magnetism can be traced back 10's of
times so that even a formatted disk can be re-read.

Modern programs can re-write the disk 30x times to permanently avoid
this, and modern drives try to avoid it because of the risk of
cross-talk on higher density platters.

However, the only safe option which avoids some smarta$$ finding a new
forensic method is to lathe the drive into dust.

As for your method, X-ray, I would use at least a .50 hollowpoint...

:-D :-D :-D

Desert Eagle maybe...

;-)

[Hyperspeed]

A Seagate Barracuda!

:-D :-D :-D :-D

I heard on here ages ago that the IBM DeskStar was nicknamed
DEATH-STAR because it was so unreliable. That thing would probably
dispose of itself!

:-)

Seriously though, I break into a sweat when I see CDRs lying on the
street. I bet a computer forensics expert could just pick it up and
recover half the files on it!

Even blowing a platter up with a shotgun and it's possible someone
could use some technique to read the data off it. When you think of
the science you could just image the broken piece and apply the data
layout to a clean drive.

Don't forget what I said earlier about Magnetic Hysteresis either,
hard disks can be read even if formatted over 20 times. I think in
some of the older drives it can work as much as 30x.

That is why the most security-conscious eraser programs format over
the surface so many times.

I have no idea how this works or even if it's just a hoax, but it's
worth baring in mind if you have important documents that you don't
want read by the bearded Unix user at some platter recovery
department.

:-D :-D :-D

Maybe a bit by bit dismantling and an electric sander/Dremel would be
the optimum disposal technique. Then switch to removeable solid state
drives.