- A
Perform a quick format of each drive.
Why wrong: A quick format only removes the file system index, not the actual data. Data can be easily recovered with software.
- B
Overwrite the drives with zeros using a low-level format.
Why wrong: Overwriting can be effective, but it takes time and there is a risk that some data may remain on bad sectors. Degaussing is more thorough.
- C
Use a degausser to erase the magnetic data on the drives.
Degaussing destroys the magnetic domains, making data unrecoverable. It is the most secure method for magnetic drives.
- D
Physically destroy the drives with a hammer.
Why wrong: Physical destruction is secure but not efficient for multiple drives. Degaussing is faster and equally secure.
Question 593 of 750
220-1202 Safety Procedures and Compliance Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of safety procedures and compliance. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is tasked with decommissioning a server that contains a RAID array of hard drives. The drives are still functional, but the data must be securely erased. What is the most secure method to ensure data cannot be recovered?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a degausser to erase the magnetic data on the drives.
Option C is correct because degaussing uses a powerful magnetic field to randomize the magnetic domains on the hard drive platters, effectively destroying all stored data at the magnetic level. This method renders the data unrecoverable even with advanced forensic tools, as it disrupts the magnetic orientation that represents the data. For a RAID array of functional drives, degaussing ensures complete data sanitization without requiring physical destruction.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform a quick format of each drive.
Why it's wrong here
A quick format only removes the file system index, not the actual data. Data can be easily recovered with software.
- ✗
Overwrite the drives with zeros using a low-level format.
Why it's wrong here
Overwriting can be effective, but it takes time and there is a risk that some data may remain on bad sectors. Degaussing is more thorough.
- ✓
Use a degausser to erase the magnetic data on the drives.
Why this is correct
Degaussing destroys the magnetic domains, making data unrecoverable. It is the most secure method for magnetic drives.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Physically destroy the drives with a hammer.
Why it's wrong here
Physical destruction is secure but not efficient for multiple drives. Degaussing is faster and equally secure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a quick format or zero-fill is sufficient for secure erasure, but the trap here is that degaussing is the only method that guarantees magnetic destruction of data without relying on the drive's firmware or logical overwrite routines.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Degaussing works by exposing the drive to an alternating magnetic field of sufficient strength (typically over 1,000 Oersteds for modern hard drives) to randomize the magnetic domains on the platters, effectively erasing all data including hidden areas like the HPA (Host Protected Area) and DCO (Device Configuration Overlay). In a RAID array, degaussing each drive individually ensures that even if the array controller's metadata is preserved, the underlying data is irretrievable. Real-world scenarios, such as decommissioning drives in a high-security environment (e.g., military or financial), often mandate degaussing followed by physical destruction for compliance with standards like NIST SP 800-88.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Quick reference
RAID Level Comparison
| RAID Level | Min Disks | Fault Tolerance | Read | Write | Usable Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | 2 | None | Excellent | Excellent | 100% |
| RAID 1 | 2 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 50% |
| RAID 5 | 3 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 67–94% |
| RAID 6 | 4 | 2 disks | Good | Lower | 50–88% |
| RAID 10 | 4 | 1 disk per mirror | Excellent | Good | 50% |
RAID is not a backup strategy — it protects against disk failure but not against accidental deletion, ransomware, or site-level events.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Safety Procedures and Compliance — This question tests Safety Procedures and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a degausser to erase the magnetic data on the drives. — Option C is correct because degaussing uses a powerful magnetic field to randomize the magnetic domains on the hard drive platters, effectively destroying all stored data at the magnetic level. This method renders the data unrecoverable even with advanced forensic tools, as it disrupts the magnetic orientation that represents the data. For a RAID array of functional drives, degaussing ensures complete data sanitization without requiring physical destruction.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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