We show you an application for each operating system, with which you can safely and irreversibly delete files on data carriers.
It is a common warning that a data carrier (or notebook, computer with a data carrier) should only be sold or given as a gift to others if you first ensure that no one can accidentally restore the files previously stored on the device. The low-cost way in this case is to copy a few movies (or other larger files) and then delete them – however, there are more convenient and safer solutions. Software developed specifically for this purpose automatically overwrites the entire storage space, or only the empty part, with random information, even in several rounds, so that the data cannot be recovered even under laboratory conditions. We show five such programs.
Eraser
Eraser, which is free for home users, is an indispensable player in a list of file erasing programs – it is no coincidence that this software is also included in the Windows master set. You can use several algorithms for deletion, depending on whether you prefer fast or very thorough work. In the latter case, you can even use a method that rivals the strength of military standards. Eraser works on a project basis, which is very useful because you even have the option to automatically and regularly perform “maintenance” of hard drives, SSDs and memory cards.
Permanent Eraser
Of course, not everyone uses Windows. If you’re in the Apple camp, try Premanent Eraser under MacOS – it’s an open source and free application that also supports several erasing algorithms. One of the most brutal of these is the Gutmann routine with 35 repetitions, which also meets the strictest safety requirements. The designers of the program aimed for simplicity in terms of handling, so there are not too many settings – the safe deletion of files, however, works simply by dragging files onto the program icon.
BleachBit
One of the best alternatives for Linux is BleachBit, which is of course – just like most programs written for Linux – free. Not only can it be installed, but it also exists in a portable version, although the latter is more an advantage for those who would like to use it under Windows rather than Linux. In addition, BleachBit can not only ensure safe deletion, but also delete files from your PC that are no longer needed – for example, temporary files that are transferred to your computer while surfing the Internet. In addition to the safe deletion of files and the safe deletion of free storage space, the program also allows you to erase traces of files deleted with other programs.
Shreddit
For mobile devices – especially Apple products – it is better to choose from the paid applications. An excellent alternative for iOS and iPad OS is Shreddit, which can be purchased for approximately HUF 5,000. The program runs completely independently on the phone/tablet, so there is no need for such tricks and magic as, for example, in the case of Dr.Fone, which can be used through Windows. Of course, you can choose the erasing algorithm and the number of times the overwrite will run – the app supports both DoD 5520, DoE and the 35-stage Gutmann procedure.
Secure Erase iShredder
On Android, we recommend Secure Erase iShredder, which is semi-free – this means that you can only use the simpler algorithms in the free version, which is also interspersed with advertisements. Of course, this may also be suitable in many cases, or if it is not, then there is still the possibility to jump to the Pro version. With the program, the user part of the internal storage can be deleted, the empty storage can be safely overwritten with random data, and it is also possible to “liquidate” only certain files or to clean the removable data medium.
Source: www.pcwplus.hu
