Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a type of storage technology that uses NAND-based flash memory to store data. Unlike traditional hard drives, which use spinning disks to read and write data, SSDs have no moving parts. This makes them faster, more durable, and less prone to failure.
The NAND-based flash memory in an SSD is made up of memory cells, which are grouped together into blocks. Each cell can store a single bit of data (0 or 1). When you save a file to an SSD, the data is written to the memory cells. When you open a file, the data is read from the cells.
To write data to an SSD, the drive first finds an empty block of memory cells. It then writes the data to the cells in the block. If the block is full, the drive must first erase the block before it can write new data to it. This process is called “block erasure.” Because flash memory can only be written to a certain number of times before it wears out, SSDs use a technique called “wear leveling” to evenly distribute writes across all the blocks in the drive.
When you delete a file from an SSD, the data is not actually erased from the memory cells. Instead, the file system simply marks the block as “free” and the data remains in the cells. This is why data can be recovered from an SSD even after it has been deleted.
To read data from an SSD, the drive simply accesses the memory cells where the data is stored. Because there are no moving parts, the drive can access the data much faster than it can with a traditional hard drive. This is why SSDs are faster than hard drives when it comes to booting up your computer, launching applications, and copying files.
Overall, SSDs are a great storage technology that offers faster speeds, durability, and power efficiency. They have no moving parts, which makes them less prone to failure and physical damage. And the use of NAND-based flash memory makes them more reliable and efficient. They are becoming more popular and are being used in a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, servers, and even smartphones.
For those who are wondering how to securely delete data from an SSD, this is how:
Create a backup: Before proceeding with the data erasure process, ensure that you have a backup of all the important files that you want to keep. This will ensure that you don’t lose any important data in case of any errors during the erasure process.
Use specialized software: There are several software programs available that are specifically designed to securely erase data from SSDs. These software programs use specialized algorithms to overwrite the data multiple times, making it virtually impossible to recover. Some examples of these software programs include DBAN, Disk Wipe, and CCleaner.
Erase the entire drive: To ensure that all data is completely erased, it’s best to erase the entire drive rather than just specific partitions or files. This will ensure that all data, including hidden files and system files, is erased.
Verify the erasure: After the erasure process is complete, it’s important to verify that all data has been erased. Some software programs have built-in verification tools that will check the drive for any remaining data.
Physical destruction (optional): For extra security, you can physically destroy the drive. This can be done by breaking it apart with a hammer or drilling holes through the platters. This will ensure that the data cannot be recovered even by the most advanced data recovery methods.
Note: Keep in mind that once the data is erased, it can’t be recovered, so make sure that you have a backup of all the important files before proceeding with the erasure process.
