Data security and the preservation of privacy are two topics that are increasingly top-of-mind for tech consumers; as such, storage solutions such as the self-wiping SanDisk SSDs from Western Digital (WD) have generated significant interest. Unfortunately, it appears the company is keeping the specifics about these products close to the vest, as, when asked to provide information, WD refused to answer our questions.
This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from tech and data security analysts, who note that, given the privacy sensitive information that may be stored on these drives, there needs to be full disclosure from the manufacturer regarding the capabilities of the storage medium. Further compounding the concern of would-be consumers is the fact that, while WD manufactures hard drives and solid-state drives, there is limited information available about the self-wiping SanDisk SSDs specifically – including the all-important query of how secure the drives actually are.
Though WD may be reticent to answer our questions about these drives, potential customers need to understand the possible risks associated with using such a storage medium. A self-wiping drive, after all, is only secure in the event that the drive’s contents are being wiped. If the intent of the data stored is to remain private, then steps must be taken to ensure that the drive’s wiping process is completed reliably and without errors. Additionally, it is possible that the wiping process may be incomplete or unreliable due to a fault within the drive itself – an issue which could lead to unintended access to the drive’s contents.
In the absence of reliable information from WD, consumers who are considering purchasing a self-wiping SanDisk SSD would be well-served to do their own due diligence by researching the product and ensuring that the wiping process is reliable and secure. Additionally, those who may need access to more secure storage solutions should be aware that WD currently offers encrypted hard drives as part of their product line, which may be better suited to their needs.
For customers who are curious about the inner workings of WD’s self-wiping SanDisk SSDs, it is unfortunate that the company is unwilling to answer even basic questions about their products. Still, regardless of the answers WD might provide, potential customers should pursue a cautious approach by researching this product independently and checking to make sure that any wiping processes are reliable. Doing so will help ensure that data remains secure and private regardless of the storage medium used.