What is the MOST secure way to dispose of 150 computers with SATA HDDs?

The most secure method for disposing of computers with SATA HDDs is to physically destroy the platters using a shredder. This approach ensures that the data on the drives cannot be recovered by any means. When platters are shredded, they are broken into small, unrecognizable pieces, physically preventing any access to the data stored on them. This method is particularly effective for organizations that must meet strict data security requirements or regulatory compliance, as it provides absolute assurance that sensitive information cannot be retrieved.

While other methods, such as degaussing, wiping software, or zero-fill utilities, can effectively eliminate or obscure data, they do not guarantee the complete physical destruction of the storage media. For instance, while degaussing can render a hard drive unusable, sophisticated methods can sometimes recover data from damaged disks. Similarly, wiping software may be effective under normal circumstances, but there are instances where residual data may be recoverable, especially if the software is not properly used or if the drives are malfunctioning. Hence, shredding the platters offers the highest level of data protection and security.