As part of an ongoing effort to improve UCSF’s stewardship of information resources, UCSF IT is pleased to offer a data-storage-device destruction service. IT will collect and destroy any electronic media (e.g., hard drives, tapes) that contains restricted data, including PII (personally identifiable information) and PHI (patient health information)

There is no charge for this service. Just submit a ticket for desktop service (https://help.ucsf.edu/) or bring in your media to be destroyed, and we will take care of the rest.

​Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why should I do this?

• It is the responsibility of the UCSF community to protect the UCSF trust and brand.
• Federal, state and UC policies require storage media with restricted data to be sanitized or destroyed.

Who can use this service?

• Any faculty, staff, learner or department at UCSF may use it.

What kinds of drives or tapes do you accept?

• We accept any 2.5” hard drive (laptop), 3.5” hard drive (desktop) or tapes.

Is it really “free"?

• Yes. It's an included service provided by IT.

Does this service meet HIPAA requirements?

• Yes. The data is rendered unreadable per HIPAA and NIST 800-88.

Do I have to use this service? I have a vendor that already provides it.

• We applaud those in the UCSF community that have taken the initiative to safeguard data. However, although its use is not required, we encourage you to take advantage of the central service we provide.