The EDGINERS ERASE function now optionally exploits new hardware capability to perform a 'data key shred' for encrypted tape volumes instead of using a secure data erase. If the 'data key shred' is not possible, a secure data erase is performed instead.

The ERASE release action can now be configured to selectively perform a shred, a secure data erase, or a combination of the two. When the ERASE release action is pending for an encrypted tape volume, and the volume is mounted for ERASE on an encryption capable tape drive, and the appropriate ERASE option is selected, the EDGINERS utility attempts a ‘shred’ action on the volume. ‘Shred’ removes the EEDK structures on the tape. This renders the data incapable of being decrypted. EDGINERS ERASE processing also supports options to use a combination of secure data erase with shred, or to force a secure data erase even for encrypted volumes.