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Media Sanitization

What is Media Sanitization?

The process of rendering data on electronic media unrecoverable through methods such as clearing, purging, or destroying the storage media.

Information Security

Terms that appear alongside media sanitization

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as media sanitization. The number is how many controls name both.

Frameworks that govern media sanitization

ISO 27001:2022View framework →NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0View framework →CIS Controls v8View framework →

What the standards actually require on media sanitization

Requirements naming media sanitization across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

FedRAMP High2 controls

Sanitize media prior to disposal, release, or reuse using FedRAMP-defined methods (NIST SP 800-88).

MP-6 · Media Sanitization →
NIST SP 800-1712 controls

Assess that the organization sanitizes or destroys system media containing CUI before disposal or release for reuse.

A.03.08.03 · Media Sanitization Assessment →
FedRAMP Moderate1 control

Sanitize media prior to disposal, release, or reuse using FedRAMP-defined methods (NIST SP 800-88).

MP-6 · Media Sanitization →
NIST SP 800-161 Rev 11 control

Sanitizes media before it leaves organizational control, including media returned to suppliers under warranty or lease.

161R1-MP-6 · Media Sanitization →
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 31 control

Sanitize or destroy system media containing CUI before disposal, release, or reuse; verify sanitization actions.

03.08.03 · Media Sanitization →
NIST SP 800-171A - Assessing Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)1 control

Determines whether media is sanitized using approved techniques before disposal or release for reuse, and whether the action is recorded.

171A-03.08.03 · Media Sanitization →

Questions people ask about media sanitization

What is Media Sanitization?
The process of rendering data on electronic media unrecoverable through methods such as clearing, purging, or destroying the storage media.
Why is Media Sanitization important for compliance?
Media Sanitization is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding media sanitization helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Media Sanitization?
Media Sanitization appears in the requirement text of FedRAMP High, NIST SP 800-171, FedRAMP Moderate, NIST SP 800-161 Rev 1, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3. Across these standards we have identified 8 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Media Sanitization?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how media sanitization applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Media Sanitization applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

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Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.