CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

Which is the most cost-effective solution for sanitizing a DVD containing sensitive information?

1. Degauss the DVD

2. Shred the DVD

3. Format the DVD

4. Burn the DVD

The correct answer is: Shred the DVD

The most cost-effective solution for sanitizing a DVD containing sensitive information is shredding the DVD. Shredding physically destroys the media, rendering the data irretrievable. This method is particularly effective for optical media like DVDs, as the physical destruction ensures that no data can be recovered by any means. In contrast, degaussing is not applicable to DVDs, as this method is used for magnetic media like hard drives and tape drives. Formatting a DVD may remove the file structure but does not prevent data recovery using specialized tools, meaning that sensitive information could potentially still be accessed. Burning the DVD can also effectively destroy data but involves additional costs related to the equipment and the safe disposal of the remaining ash or residue. In this case, shredding offers a straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective solution for ensuring that sensitive data on a DVD is completely and irreversibly destroyed.