What is the primary goal of data sanitization?

The primary goal of data sanitization is to secure data by permanent deletion. This involves methods and processes that ensure sensitive information is irretrievable and cannot be reconstructed or retrieved. Data sanitization is especially critical in scenarios such as decommissioning storage devices or when organizations dispose of old systems, as it helps in protecting against unauthorized access to confidential information.

By effectively employing data sanitization procedures, organizations can prevent data breaches and uphold compliance with various data protection regulations. This focus on permanent deletion as the goal differentiates it from other processes related to data management, such as backups or format conversions. Other options, while relevant in data handling and management, do not align with the fundamental aim of ensuring that data cannot be accessed or misused again after sanitization.