How to ensure complete data destruction and computer security?

It is enormously dangerous to leave sensitive data on a computer for a number of reasons. Doing so can help a criminal steal your identity which can lead to financial loss, massive emotional and mental stress.

Deleting or formatting does not mean permanent deletion

Wiping data from a hard drive is not an easy job. A common assumption is that deleting a file or formatting a hard drive will be enough to remove data permanently but in fact the data still exists on the drive and is recoverable using data recovery tool.

There are a lot of methods to “delete” data from a computer’s hard drive:

  • Highlighting a file and pressing Delete Key
  • Deleting a file using Shift+Delete key
  • Emptying the recycle bin
  • Using system utilities to reformat the disk

These methods are not just enough to remove the data; they simply make that space available for the system to use when next required. Until it’s overwritten with new file the data remains on the disk. Readily available data recovery software tools can be used to restore the data. Some data recovery tools are also available for free.

Methods to Wipe drive

  1. Using Disk Wiping Utilities: Remo File Shredder is an advanced Disk Wipe tool, which allows various easy to use options to shred files, folders, and unused space from a logical drive. The user-friendly software presents a hierarchical explorer view to select file and folders to shred; to shred files you need to simply add the files to “shredding zone” and select the shredding patterns and the software would start destructing the data beyond recovery.
  2. Degaussing: In this process the storage media is subjected to an influential magnetic field to eliminate the data on the media. Degaussing may make the media inoperable; therefore this method is suitable if the media is not required for reuse.
  3. Destruction: Destruction is mainly recommended for removable media’s such as CD-ROMS, diskettes, tapes that contain highly sensitive data. They can be destroyed by shredding disk platters, grinding the surfaces off of CD’s, incinerating tapes, or by cracking or cutting the media.