What action must be taken if critical electronic media cannot be destroyed?

When critical electronic media cannot be destroyed, the appropriate action is to ensure that it is overwritten at least three times. This method of data sanitization involves recording new, random data over the existing data multiple times. The process is designed to make it nearly impossible to recover the original data, thereby protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Overwriting data effectively mitigates the risk of data breaches by ensuring that if the media is accessed in the future, none of the original information can be retrieved. Each overwrite step adds a layer of security, enhancing the defense against potential data recovery techniques that could otherwise expose confidential information.

Storing the media indefinitely does not secure it from unauthorized access, while placing it in a locked cabinet may provide physical security, it does not address the issue of data retention and potential exposure. Allowing the media to remain accessible would directly contradict the need for data protection, making it a poor choice for handling critical information.