This KB will guide you through step-by-step instructions to perform secure data erasure on SAN (Storage Area Network) and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) storage drives using BitRaser Drive Eraser Software.
What is a SAN?
A SAN or Storage Area Network is a network of storage devices that offer a shared pool of storage space to multiple servers and computers. Each computer on the network can access storage on the SAN as if it were a local disk directly connected to that computer. SAN fulfills advanced enterprise storage demands by offering a high-performance, dedicated and scalable network that interconnects numerous servers with storage devices. A SAN connects servers to storage devices through Fibre Channel and uses switches to manage data traffic. SAN is the most common storage network used by enterprises for business-critical applications owing to its versatility, high-speed efficiency, improved data security, & responsive backup.
What is NAS Storage?
Network-attached storage (NAS) is a storage device connected to a network that allows storage and retrieval of data from a central location to an authorized network user, making data continuously available for employees. Similar to SAN, NAS storage devices manage storage centrally and share that storage with multiple hosts. NAS devices handle data storage and file-sharing requests and provide fast, reliable, and secure storage services to private networks. They can support various business applications like database management, data logging, business analytics, video editing, email systems, etc. NAS is just like having a private cloud in the office and is faster and less expensive than a public cloud. NAS solutions being faster, scalable, effective, and low-cost are the primary choice for small businesses and enterprises.
Depiction of SAN and NAS Storage Drives
How To Securely Erase SAN & NAS drives With BitRaser Drive Eraser
BitRaser Drive Eraser is a scalable data erasure software that can help you wipe SAN and NAS storages in the most efficient manner on facilities with or without internet via its cloud and physical variant.
- Perform Data Erasure On Internet Enabled Facility:
Key Requirements:
- USB flash drive: 2 GB or more to create a bootable media
- Internet: WiFi or Ethernet
Follow the steps below to start wiping SAN and NAS drives with internet.
Step 1: Log in to your BitRaser cloud account and download BitRaser ISO.
Step 2: Create Bootable USB using Rufus (For Windows) or Balena Etcher (For Mac).
Step 3: To securely wipe the SAN and NAS storage drives, disconnect or disassemble the hard drives from the NAS boxes or unmount hard drive from the SAN Storage and connect it with compatible host machine.
Step 4: Connect the bootable USB with host server machine and power on the system. Select the USB media from the boot menu.
Step 5: BitRaser software home screen will display a list of connected storage drives. Select the checkboxes to erase multiple hard drives at once. Also, select the desired method of data erasure from the dropdown list at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Click the ‘Erase’ button to start wiping.
Once the erasure process is successful, the software will produce digitally signed reports & certificate of erasure and save them automatically to your BitRaser Cloud account.
You may refer to the BitRaser Deployment Guide for detailed instructions on wiping drives with internet.
- Perform Data Erasure On Facilities Without Internet:
Key Requirements:
- Software & BitRaser License USB Drive
(BitRaser Drive Eraser is physically shipped in a set of two USB sticks, preloaded with bootable software and licenses.)
Follow the steps below to start wiping SAN and NAS drives without internet.
Step 1: Dismantle the hard drives from the NAS boxes or unmount hard drive from the SAN Storage and connect it with compatible host machine.
Step 2: Connect both the BitRaser USBs with host server machine and power on the system. Boot from the BitRaser USB from the boot menu.
Step 3: BitRaser software home screen will display a list of connected storage drives. Select all the drives and choose the required algorithm from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Click ‘Erase’ to begin the wiping process.
Erasure reports & certificates will be saved in the BitRaser bootable USB. You can
export the reports & certificates to your BitRaser Cloud Account for maintaining a centralized repository. You may refer the sample erasure report below.
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