How to Permanently Delete Files Beyond Recovery
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Why Your Data Is Still On the HardDisk When You Deleted a File
When we deleted our files and emptied our recycle bin in windows operating system, the deleted files are not really deleted and still resides on the harddisk. In many operating systems including Windows, the act of deleting a file and emptying the recycle bin will only remove the link to data from the file system and mark the disk space occupied by the file as available for use by new files. The actual contents of the file is still physically on the harddisk until overwritten by new data.
This posed a serious security problem if you have sensitive data on your computer. The sensitive data that is deleted is not really permanently deleted and may be recovered by interested parties using a data recovery software.
To permanently delete a file, we need to use a file shredding or file wiping software to delete a computer file securely so that it may never be undelete or be recover again. A file shredder software will allow you to erase files beyond recovery.
This posed a serious security problem if you have sensitive data on your computer. The sensitive data that is deleted is not really permanently deleted and may be recovered by interested parties using a data recovery software.
To permanently delete a file, we need to use a file shredding or file wiping software to delete a computer file securely so that it may never be undelete or be recover again. A file shredder software will allow you to erase files beyond recovery.
Why the Need to Permanently Delete Your Files
You need to permanently delete your files and data so that no one can recover your deleted sensitive or personal data. This is especially important if you
- share your computer with your family members or co-workers
- sell away your old computer
- give away or donate your old computer
- throw away your old computer
File Shredding, File Wiping and Data Sanitization
To permanently delete files from your computer, file shredder softwares use a technique known as file shredding, file wiping or data sanitization. This is done by overwriting a file multiple times using complicated algorithm so that the file cannot be restored by any means.
Some well-known shredding algorithms are:
Some well-known shredding algorithms are:
- DoD 5220.22-M : US Department of Defense standard for securely shredding files using a 3 passes algorithm.
The Gutmann method : an algorithm devised by Peter Gutmann using series of 35 patterns for securely shredding the contents of deleted files.
Permanently Delete / Destroy Your Sensitive Data
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Getting a Good File Shredder Software
Military Strength File Shredder Software
Evidence Nuker is a military strength file shredder software that can permanently delete everything you want erased such as deleted files, emails, chat transcripts, audio and video files, temporary internet files, image files, search histories, clipboard data, passwords, internet history, stored cookies and so much more!Evidence Nuker features several shredding methods, including the one approved by the Department of Defense (DOD 5220.22-M standard) and the one scientifically proven to be sufficient (Guttman).
CD and DVD Destroyer
If you have written your sensitive data into a CD or DVD, you will need these CD/DVD destroyer or crusher to destroy your data.
Books on Data Sanitization, Security and Permanent Data Deletion
by kenc
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