Survey of the Relationship Between Understanding of Data Storage and Behavior when Deleting Confidential Information
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Authors
Schulman, Jesse
Issue Date
2026-02
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Business, Engineering, Science, & Technological Innovation , HIPAA , Data Recovery , Digital Forensics
Alternative Title
Abstract
Deleted data often remains on storage media in a recoverable form. Users in the healthcare field are required by HIPAA law to delete confidential data before disposal, but because secure erase technologies are not always utilized, confidential data can often be recovered from discarded storage media. This quantitative study investigated the factors that may lead users to improperly dispose of drives containing recoverable confidential data. A survey of 112 respondents in the healthcare industry indicated that a lack of understanding and perceived value, as suggested by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, are primary factors in users failing to use secure erase technologies. Respondents to the survey indicated a lack of understanding of how storage media functions on a technical level, a belief that standard erasure methods, such as emptying the Recycle Bin, are sufficient, and a lack of understanding as to the benefits and usefulness of secure erase technologies. This suggests that social factors within an organization, such as training methods and policies, are a significant factor in why users fail to properly erase confidential information when disposing of storage media. This research can contribute to future studies in better user interface design, educational methods, or automated erasure techniques.