Method

So how do we do it? It’s simple and complex at the same time really.

We use thermite.

What is thermite? Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition of a metal powder and a metal oxide, which produces an aluminothermic reaction known as a thermite reaction. It is not explosive, but can create short bursts of extremely high temperatures focused on a very small area for a short period of time. Thermite is extremely stable and not easy to ignite making it very safe to prepare and handle. Upon ignition, thermite burns very fast and very hot (depending on the mixture it is not uncommon to see temperatures of up to 2500 °C (4500 °F). Once the thermite has begun its reaction it is almost impossible to stop and extremely dangerous to even attempt. Extreme care must be used when igniting thermite and it is never recommended that a person unfamiliar with the behavior and chemistry of thermite attempt a thermite reaction. Thermite should only be handled by professionals in a safe environment!

This is where we come in. We have constructed special “reaction cores” in an undisclosed location for the sake of security and safety. Fail-Safe uses a home brewed thermite composition (FSDT patent pending) that enables us to use rather small amounts in specifically arranged “charges” providing the most effective reaction to get the job done.

So wait, how does this work?

Let’s say you have a hard disk that contains information that is no longer needed for storage but is too sensitive to dispose of in a conventional method. We send you special packaging to place your media in (these non-static bags are not unlike bank deposit bags, the seal cannot be tampered with) and send to us. From the moment of the box being opened we document the entire process. At no time is the disk (or any other media) connected to any device or power supply, upon opening it is taking to the “staging room” where the charges are placed per our specifications dependent upon media type. After the staging process is complete, the media is then taken to one of the “reaction cores”, placed, prepped with the ignition source, secured and is ready for action. When the thermite is ignited, the burn can last anywhere from 15 seconds to 3 minutes dependent upon the media type. Once the media has cooled, it is removed from the “reaction core” and placed into a security bag and sealed, this bag is then placed inside of FSD transfer box that is also sealed and signed by the technician. There are two methods of disposal (see the disposal page for more information) and the decision is left entirely to the client.

The entire process from start to finish is documented by camera (some parts of the video are censored because of the thermite charge). This will let you see the entire process, including the destruction of the device and subsequent sealing and storage.