Originally defined by the United States Air Force, this 2-pass overwrite is completed by verifying the write.

This process overwrites data with a random, instead of static, pattern. Each sector of the drive will contain different data. This process is completed by verifying the write.

Blancco’s multi-phase, proprietary SSD erasure approach utilizes all supported SSD security protocols. This innovative method includes multiple random overwrites, firmware level erasure, freeze lock removal and full verification.

This 7-step process, presented by security technologist Bruce Schneier, overwrites using 1s, 0s and a stream of random characters.

This 4-pass system is the original BSI standard defined by the German Federal Office of Information Security.

Defined by the German Federal Office for Information Security, this process begins by removing hidden drives (HPA/ DCO if existing) and overwriting with aperiodic random data. The next step triggers a firmware based command dependent on the type of drive. The last step is to verify the write.

The BSI-GSE adds one extra step to the BSI-GS. After the first overwrite, an additional overwrite with aperiodic random data is added before moving on to the last two steps.

The UK government’s National Technical Authority for Information Assurance standard is a 3-pass process with a verification after each step.

The UK government’s National Technical Authority for Information Assurance standard is a 3-pass process with a verification after each step.This method uses the native command to call a cryptographic erasure, which erases the encryption key. While the encrypted data remains on the storage device itself, it is effectively impossible to decrypt, rendering the data unrecoverable. Because this method uses the native commands as defined by the manufacturer, it is only available if supported by the drive being erased.

This method is an extended (7-pass) version of the DoD 5220.22-M. It runs the DoD 5220.22-M twice, with an extra pass (DoD 5220.22-M (C) Standard) sandwiched in between.

This Blancco-defined standard adds an overwrite as the first step and then follows the standard Firmware Based Erasure, making this a 3-step process.

This Blancco-defined standard is a 2-step process triggers a firmware command that is dependent on the drive type. The last step of the process is to verify the write.

Used by the British Government, this 3-pass overwrite adds one additional write. Like the baseline standard, this process is completed by verifying the write.

Used by the British Government, this 1-pass overwrite consists of writing a zero and then a random character. This process is completed by verifying the write.

Defined by the US National Security Agency, this 3-pass system includes a verification after each pass of 0s, 1s and a random character.

Published by the US Navy, this 3-pass system uses a specified character (and its complement) and a random character. The process is completed by verifying the write.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology Clear requires the removal of hidden drives (HPA/DCO, if existing). The data is then overwritten and verified.

This method requires the removal of hidden drives (HPA/DCO, if existing). A firmware based command is triggered depending on the type of drive, and the last step is the verify the write.

Defined by the National Security Agency, this method uses a 3-pass overwrite: writes a random character, writes another random character and writes a known value. This process is completed by verifying the write.

Defined by the US Navy, this process is completed by verifying the write after a 3-pass overwrite—the first a random byte and static overwrite for the last two.