A computer file is like a road-sign that tells Windows where to locate data on
your hard drive. When you delete a file and empty it from the recycle bin, you
are only destroying the road-sign — not the actual data. Basically, the data just sits in limbo on your hard drive until it is overwritten by new data, which puts it at risk of being recovered by an identity thief who has the right software and computer smarts.
The only safe way to get rid of your files is to wipe them from existence — literally. Special software exists that can wipe data (also known as shredding), which will make the files almost impossible to recover. During the wiping process, your old files are overwritten numerous times by new, random data.Think of it like painting the same wall in your house over and over with a different color each time.
You can buy professional wiping programs from retail stores or e-merchants, or you can free ones from the Internet. The choice depends on how much (or little) money you are willing to spend and how serious you are about keeping your deleted data safe from prying eyes. Some programs give a better, more secure wipe, whereas others barely make the grade. Here are some options (in no particular order):
• File Shredder (http://www.stompsoft.com)
• BCWipe (http://www.jetico.com)
• Steganos Security Suite (http://www.steganos.com)
your hard drive. When you delete a file and empty it from the recycle bin, you
are only destroying the road-sign — not the actual data. Basically, the data just sits in limbo on your hard drive until it is overwritten by new data, which puts it at risk of being recovered by an identity thief who has the right software and computer smarts.
The only safe way to get rid of your files is to wipe them from existence — literally. Special software exists that can wipe data (also known as shredding), which will make the files almost impossible to recover. During the wiping process, your old files are overwritten numerous times by new, random data.Think of it like painting the same wall in your house over and over with a different color each time.
Wiping Software
You can buy professional wiping programs from retail stores or e-merchants, or you can free ones from the Internet. The choice depends on how much (or little) money you are willing to spend and how serious you are about keeping your deleted data safe from prying eyes. Some programs give a better, more secure wipe, whereas others barely make the grade. Here are some options (in no particular order):
• File Shredder (http://www.stompsoft.com)
• BCWipe (http://www.jetico.com)
• Steganos Security Suite (http://www.steganos.com)
