Here's three ways to destroy your HDD data before throwing out the drive (or computer)! (Don't try at home)

I probably need to point out that even if your hard drive platter is damaged it can still have data recovered from it. What you need to consider the cost-recovery-paradigm. In a nutshell, how much is the data worth to the person wanting to recover it? Generally speaking, and without getting into the science of it, you can recover data from damaged drive platters for about $US30K - $US50K per platter. If the platter is flat but scratched, it is cheaper & easier to recover data from than say the platter that is warped or physically distorted. But if you’re really worried that someone will spend vast quantities of money on recovering Your data, then the only near perfect method of destruction of your data is by software erase or alternatively you could heat the platters to near melting temperature, expose them to strong magnetic fields, acid etc..
And to address anyone considering Encryption; please be aware that most westernised governments have coercive powers. You'll have your freedom and choice - to choose to hand over the data, or spend 10-20 years in jail.

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