Which standard for sanitizing target media involves a wiping method that writes zeros in the first pass and random bytes in the next?

The Russian Standard, GOST P50739-95, is recognized for its specific approach to sanitizing data on magnetic media. This standard specifies a wiping method in which the first pass involves writing zeros across the entire surface of the media, followed by a second pass that writes random bytes. This two-pass method enhances the reliability of data destruction by ensuring that residual data is thoroughly overwritten, making it more difficult for data recovery techniques to retrieve any previously stored information.

In contrast, other standards or methods may differ in their wiping techniques or the number of passes required, which can impact the effectiveness of data sanitization. For example, some methods may not use random bytes for the second pass or may not specify a two-pass process at all. Understanding the specifics of the GOST P50739-95 standard is essential for individuals responsible for data security and privacy, especially in environments where sensitive information is handled.