What process uses strong magnetic fields to make data on magnetic media blank?

Degaussing is the process that utilizes strong magnetic fields to erase or make data on magnetic media blank. This technique works by disrupting the magnetic domains on the storage medium, such as hard drives or magnetic tapes, effectively rendering the stored data irretrievable. The magnetic fields alter the alignment of the magnetic particles that represent the data, leading to data loss.

Some processes like data wiping or data erasure involve overwriting the existing data with new information to prevent recovery, but they do not physically affect the medium itself in the way degaussing does. Data shredding typically refers to physically destroying the storage device or its components, ensuring data cannot be recovered. In contrast, degaussing specifically addresses the magnetic properties of the media, making it a distinct and specialized technique for data destruction.