What is Curie Temperature?

Understanding Curie Temperature

The critical point where a material intrinsic magnetic alignment changes direction. In the context of data security, the Curie Temperature is the point at which magnetic storage media, such as hard drives or magnetic tapes, lose their magnetic properties when heated. Beyond this temperature, data stored magnetically is permanently destroyed as the media can no longer maintain magnetic orientation. This principle is relevant to secure data destruction methods described in standards like NIST SP 800-88. Organizations may implement degaussing systems that use heat approaching the Curie Temperature to permanently destroy data on magnetic media when sanitizing or disposing of storage devices. For example, a government agency might use a degaussing device that raises the temperature of hard drives to their Curie point to ensure classified data cannot be recovered before physical destruction. Related terms: Degaussing, Media sanitization, Data destruction, Magnetic media, Hard drive security, Secure disposal.