At Surplus Cascade, we follow strict NIST 800-88 data sanitization standards to protect your business, your customers and your reputation.
What Is NIST 800-88?
NIST 800-88 is a government-issued guideline created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It outlines best practices for securely erasing data from storage devices before they are resold, recycled, or redeployed.
It’s the industry benchmark for compliant, secure data disposal across:
- Healthcare (HIPAA)
- Financial services (GLBA)
- Government and defense sectors
- Technology, aerospace, and biotech
Types of NIST-Compliant Data Sanitization
There are three recognized methods under the NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 standard:
- Clear: A software-based overwrite that removes user-level data.
- Purge: More advanced erasure or cryptographic wipe to prevent data recovery.
- Destroy: Physical destruction — shredding, crushing, or degaussing the media.
Our team selects the right method based on asset type, data sensitivity, and whether the device will be reused or recycled.
Why NIST 800-88 Data Sanitization Matters
- Compliance: Meet HIPAA, GLBA, and other regulatory requirements.
- Security: Eliminate the risk of data breaches or intellectual property loss.
- Reputation: Demonstrate responsible data handling to partners and customers.
Our Sanitization Process at Surplus Cascade
We apply secure, documented procedures as part of every electronics disposition project:
- Identify all data-bearing components (HDD, SSD, flash, NVMe, etc.)
- Apply NIST-compliant software erasure or certified physical destruction
- Issue a data destruction certificate for your audit or records
- Ensure no data-bearing asset is resold without complete sanitization
Who We Support
We work with organizations that require strict data compliance, including:
- Biotech & R&D laboratories
- Defense contractors & aerospace firms
- Hospitals & healthcare providers
- Government agencies
- Data centers & technology companies
Final Thoughts
Data doesn’t delete itself — it must be removed securely and verifiably. With NIST 800-88 data sanitization, Surplus Cascade helps you reduce risk, ensure compliance, and maintain brand trust during asset liquidation or IT refresh.
Need help with secure data wiping before resale or disposal?
📧 Email us at sales@surpluscascade.com
🌐 Visit www.surpluscascade.com to schedule a secure data disposition consultation.
