Which term refers to a more extreme process of making sure data is not recoverable after removal?

The term that refers to a more extreme process of ensuring that data is not recoverable after removal is data destruction. This process goes beyond merely deleting files; it involves methods that render the data completely irretrievable. Data destruction can involve physical methods, such as shredding hard drives, or logical methods, such as overwriting data with random information multiple times to prevent recovery.

This practice is crucial for sensitive information, especially in contexts where data breaches could have significant repercussions, such as in healthcare, finance, or when complying with legal regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. The key aspect that distinguishes data destruction from other options is its focus on the finality of data removal and assurance that no residual data can be recovered.

On the other hand, data removal, while it may imply deleting files or data from a storage medium, does not necessarily imply that the data is completely irrecoverable. Data retention and data preservation refer to keeping data available for a certain period for future use or legal compliance, which is contrary to the goal of destruction.