After decades of struggle in the laboratories, it seems that the scientists found a way to erase a hard disk in just a few moments, according to Information Week. Why? Because, throughout history there have been several critical moments in which military top secrets got into enemies hands.

A group of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta) in collaboration with L-3 Communications Corp. (New York) announced that they have developed an innovative method meant for swiftly erasing hard-disk drives.

Usually, as you might already know, removing data from the hard disk is not an easy task, as several special procedures are necessary in order to erase every piece of information stored on the hard disk. Unfortunately, in spite of such a complex procedure, the information may be recovered by usage of more advanced methods, and what an historical disaster it will be … again.

The scientists concluded that the best way of rapidly erasing the data for ever from the hard disk is by using an up-to-date version of the so old permanent magnets.
Consequently, the group created one of the most powerful magnets ever made by man. The magnet is made using neodymium iron-boron with special cobalt alloy elements.

The procedure is simple, as you only need an additional power-driven mechanism which pushes disk drives past the magnets. Moreover, the prototype is so light that it can be built-in the plane's control panel, as it also operates autonomously from other aircraft electrical systems, producing no gases or flames.

The most important characteristic is, of course, the fact that information can no longer be retrieved from the hard disk after being erased. The scientist verified this by using a magnetic force microscope to record even the smallest magnetic data on the surface of an erased disk drive.

Photo Credits - Popthing