What is Media?

Understanding Media

Any object that contains data. Media encompasses all physical and electronic devices that can store information including hard drives solid-state drives USB drives optical discs magnetic tapes memory cards mobile devices paper documents and various other storage formats. Media handling security is essential throughout the media lifecycle. Media security requirements are specified in standards like ISO 27001 NIST SP 800-53 PCI DSS and various regulatory frameworks. Organizations secure media through classification handling procedures access controls encryption secure transport and proper sanitization/destruction. For example a government agency might implement comprehensive media controls including full-disk encryption for all portable storage secure storage requirements for different classification levels detailed chain-of-custody tracking and certified destruction processes including degaussing and physical destruction for decommissioned storage devices. Related terms Storage Data storage Media handling Media sanitization Mobile devices Removable media Media lifecycle.