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Secure Data Deletion |
Removing restricted data from the hard drive takes just a little bit more than dragging the data folder to the recycley bin. This type of deletion simply removes the label for the data location off the tables. The data is still there on the hard drive, in memory, and in the cache. You will need to take additional steps to remove any restricted data so it is not retrievable. There are a variety of tools used in computer forensic data retrieval. In order to remove the data the program needs to over write the locations on the hard disk with "1's" and "0's", etc. There are programs available that use government standards to over write data area's to help ensure restricted data is removed permanently from the hard drive. |
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| One such "free" program is called Eraser. The program installs with menu selections on the recycle/trash bin so you can select to ERASE the data thoroughly from the hard drive. |
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You can actually choose which method you wish to use in erasing the data. The quickest is the US DoD 5220.22-M method. It over writes the data locations a minimum of seven times. This will make it almost impossible for someone to extract the data from your hard drive. The Gutmann method is a good choice if you plan on disposing of your hard drive. Run this program on the C:\ drive to prepare it for disposal and then run the program "DBan" from the prompt to complete the destruction of data. The hard drive will be clean. |
| How to use Eraser: |
| Simply drag the file or folder to your recycle bin and then right click the bin: |
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| You will notice an additional command on the menu, "Erase Recycle Bin". Click this item. |
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| You are going to be prompted on "Are you sure..." before eraser cleans the items off your hard drive. Select the "Yes" button to make that data disappear. |
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| When the process is complete the report window appears and all you do now is click the "Close" button and you are done. |
Where do you download "Eraser": http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/download.shtml This page provides a download link as well as installation instructions. |
