Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our processes, standards, and services. If your question is not answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us.
We are currently in the process of working towards formal ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification. To ensure we meet these exacting standards from day one, our entire quality management and information security framework has been built from the ground up to be in alignment with the core principles of these internationally recognised standards. This commitment ensures our clients receive a consistent, secure, and highly professional service at every stage of the engagement.
Data erasure time is highly dependent on the type and size of the storage media. Modern Solid-State Drives (SSDs) use a fast, built-in "Secure Erase" command, allowing a batch of 16 drives to be processed in under 2.5 hours on average.
Legacy spinning hard drives (HDDs) require a more time-intensive multi-pass overwrite method (like DoD 5220.22-M). A batch of older, large-capacity HDDs can take up to 6 hours to complete. We tailor our approach to ensure maximum security, and for longer jobs, we can securely monitor the process remotely to completion.
We primarily use the DoD 5220.22-M 3-pass standard, which is recognised globally for providing a high level of data sanitisation. However, our equipment is capable of executing numerous international standards, including NIST 800-88. We can consult with you to select the appropriate standard for your organisation's specific risk and compliance requirements.
This is a critical part of our service guarantee. Any drive that fails the software erasure process for any reason is immediately designated for physical destruction. We perform this destruction on-site using mechanical drilling or crushing. This ensures no data-bearing asset, functional or not, ever leaves your secure facility, maintaining an unbroken chain of custody.
Yes. Sovereign Data Defence holds comprehensive Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. We understand this is a mandatory requirement for our corporate and government clients and can provide a certificate of currency upon request.
Our equipment is professional-grade but highly portable. The entire setup for our mobile lab typically requires a small amount of floor space, roughly equivalent to a standard office desk. We only require access to a stable power supply. Our process is designed to be unobtrusive and to operate with minimal disruption to your daily activities.
Our commitment to security extends to environmental responsibility. After all data has been verifiably destroyed on your premises, we securely transport the now-sanitised e-waste to our certified recycling partners. These partners are accredited (e.g., R2 or e-Stewards certified) to ensure that all materials are processed in an environmentally sound and ethical manner.
Our primary service area is the Perth metropolitan region. However, we regularly undertake projects for clients in regional Western Australia. Engagements outside the metro area are handled as a bespoke service and require a custom quotation to account for travel and logistics. Please use our contact form to discuss your specific requirements.