Secure Shred

The Secure Shred page allows you to securely and permanently erase sensitive data stored on the DXi4700. To securely erase data, first delete files on NAS shares or storage servers, or erase tape cartridges on VTL partitions, then start secure shred. During secure shred, all residual data associated with the deleted files or cartridges is securely erased from the disk drives by performing a single-pass overwrite with zeros.

While secure shred is running, the DXi4700 operates in limited mode. This means you cannot perform backups or restores, all scheduled jobs (including replication jobs) are stopped, and you cannot access or use any other features of the DXi . If necessary, you can cancel secure shred at any time and return the DXi to normal operation.

Caution: The secure shred process can take multiple days to complete.

To access the Secure Shred page, click the Utilities menu, and then click the Secure Shred tab (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Secure Shred Page

To securely erase data on the DXi4700:

  1. Delete the data you want to securely erase:

    • Delete files on NAS shares, or delete the shares (see NAS Configuration).
    • Delete backup images on OST logical storage units (LSUs), or delete the LSUs and storage servers (see OST Configuration).
    • Recycle (erase) tape cartridges on VTL partitions, or delete the partitions (see VTL Configuration).
  2. Run space reclamation from the Utilities > Space Reclamation page (see Space Reclamation).
  3. Make sure all replication and backup jobs are completed (see Replication ).

  4. On the Secure Shred page, click Start Shred.

    A warning message displays.

  5. Click Yes.

    The system reboots and begins the secure shred process. This process can take multiple days to complete.

  6. To check the status of secure shred, log onto the DXi4700 to view the limited Secure Shred Mode interface (see Figure 2).

    • The Secure File Shred Log displays details about the secure shred progress. Click Hide to hide the log.
    • To cancel the secure shred process, click Cancel. The DXi reboots and resumes normal operation.
    • When the secure shred process is complete, the Reboot button displays.

    Note: You must log on as an Admin user to cancel secure shred or reboot the system.

    Figure 2: Secure Shred Mode Interface

  7. Click Reboot to finalize the secure shred process and reboot the DXi .

    After the DXi finishes rebooting, you can resume normal system operation.