Data Destruction 101: Ever microwaved a CD?

It’s reallly cool.

Using the microwave oven at the office, or at a friend’s house….

1 cup water
1 CD

(the water is to prevent damage to the magnetron of the oven)

place the cup of water in the oven, along with the CD. Set timer for around five seconds. Longer times may result in a burning plastic smell.

Press start. Do not handle the CD until it has cooled.

Besides the interesting plasma arcing, the vaporized aluminum makes a pretty pattern to show your friends. Plus your data has been permanently destroyed.