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Disk Wipe
Most computer users are unaware of the necessity of protecting and deleting their computer usage history. A hidden record of all websites that were visited, files, video’s and images downloaded is secretly compiled by every Windows operating system. These hidden files are conveniently available for retrieval to anyone with the proper knowledge as to their location.
Further, sensitive or potentially embarrassing files and data that a computer user deletes using the standard built-in Windows file delete function is absolutely not a secure file deletion at all. To properly sanitize, erase and wipe deleted information from a disk drive requires specialized disk eraser utilities to ensure that proper data destruction algorithms are followed.
Wipe Clean
Various “disk wipe” specifications have been developed and offered by a number of drive wipe program developers. The most respected hard drive sanitization standard is the DoD 5220.22-M hard drive wipe specification. This specification calls for a minimum number of passes by a file easer utility to overwrite data before the drive data is considered to be completely clean.
It should be noted that DoD 5220.22-M is regarded as a minimum or baseline specification that calls for all data to be overwritten at least seven (7) times to prevent encrypted file contents from being recovered by forensic data recover tools. Premium disk wipe utility programs perform a much more intensive hard disk wipe routine to ensure the wipe disk function is complete. The leading hard drive eraser allows for over twenty (20) disk wiper to delete file remnants and assure disk clean certainty. However, this data eraser utility is priced accordingly.
Clean Computer
How much protection you need depends on the value of your online privacy. For most people, a simple file shredder and wipe software will wipe and clean or erase data traces enough for them to feel safe. Some effective drive clean systems support free download updates and are a viable option. For people who don’t count on xp dss key encryption for boot or physical internet explorer security, only total file destruction utilizing the complete data delete function of a hard drive wipe utility will suffice.
The drive wipe software you choose should meet the minimum standards above for data eraser performance to be considered as a true Internet privacy utility. Look for those that advertise the terms security wipe, file wipe, and data wipe when searching to narrow the selections. Be sure to select a file eraser utility that you will actually use; not a data shredder that is too cumbersome for everyday use. Also select one that offers a satisfaction guarantee and free updates too.
Additional Resources:
- A Guide to Understanding Data Remanence in Automated Information Systems. National Computer Security Center. September 1991. http://www.fas.org/irp/nsa/rainbow/tg025-2.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-10. (Rainbow Series “Forrest Green Book”)
- Tutorial on Disk Drive Data Sanitization Gordon Hughes, UCSD Center for Magnetic Recording Research, Tom Coughlin, Coughlin Associates
- Why Information Must Be Destroyed - Overview of paper-based destruction Ben Rothke, CISSP, British Telecom
- Why Information Must Be Destroyed Part 2 - Overview of digital-based destruction Ben Rothke, CISSP, British Telecom