ERASE: overwrite old data on a tape

Description

Removes previous data from tapes by overwriting all blocks, rather than simply rewriting the tape's label.

Categories

Security
System Operation

Related files

ERASE: Object file for utility.

User Instructions

This utility removes all evidence of the data on a tape by overwriting the entire tape. This differs from the approach taken by TAPEINIT, which simply rewrites the header of the tape--allowing unscrupulous data thieves to read data on the tape through other means. An option of ERASE is the ability to write a specified number of block beyond the End of Tape (EOT) marker.

The program is simple to use: simply enter the tape's volume ID and the number of extra blocks (if any) and press return. An explanation of the program's purpose can be seen by pressing PF(14). When completed, the program will indicate that the tape has been processed and end.

Programmer Instructions

The ERASE program consists of a single input screen and a documentation screen. Both screens are GETPARMs.

VOLUME      Press (RETURN) to continue, PF(14) for further
            information, or PF(16) to exit program.

  VOLUME    (blank)     The volume to be initialized.

  EXTRA     000000      The number of extra blocks to be
                        written beyond the EOT marker.  Note
                        that this might result in the tape
                        running past its physical end.

INFO        Documentation screen; no data elements.  Press
            (RETURN) to continue.

Example of use

Designed for security-conscious users, ERASE ensures that tapes do not contain readable data from prior use. It also verifies the integrity of the tape by writing and reading every inch.

Comments

A good, simple utility with very good internal documentation.