clearing

1. A sequence of events used to disconnect a call and return to the ready state.
2. Removal of data from an information system (IS), its storage devices, and other peripheral devices with storage capacity, in such a way that the data may not be reconstructed using common system capabilities (i.e., keyboard strokes); however, the data may be reconstructed using laboratory methods. Cleared media may be reused at the same classification level or at a higher level. Overwriting is one method of clearing. [INFOSEC-99]