What is Clearing?
Clearing Definition: The removal of sensitive data from storage devices in such a way that there is assurance that the data may not be reconstructed using normal system functions or software recovery utilities.
Understanding Clearing
The removal of sensitive data from storage devices in such a way that there is assurance that the data may not be reconstructed using normal system functions or software recovery utilities. Clearing is a sanitization method that renders data unrecoverable through standard file recovery techniques but may not protect against advanced forensic methods. It typically involves overwriting storage media with non-sensitive data. Clearing procedures are defined in standards like NIST SP 800-88 and DoD 5220.22-M. Organizations implement clearing through disk wiping utilities, cryptographic erasure, and media sanitization procedures. For example, when repurposing a computer previously used for financial data processing, an organization might use disk wiping software to overwrite all sectors of the drive before reassigning it to a different department. Related terms: Sanitization, Purging, Destruction, Media sanitization, Data remanence, Secure deletion.