File Shredder Apps and Alternatives
17 applications in this hubLast updated: Apr 17th 2024, 10:31 GMT
Despite the fact that you are deleting files from your computer, this does not automatically mean that the data is lost forever. In fact, most of these documents, media, tracks and other files can be restored using specialized programs. And no, it does not really matter that you also removed them from the Recycle Bin.
Consequentially, if you want to make sure that the data is permanently erased and hence cannot be recovered with the appropriate tools, you should consider using a shredding tool.
By far the biggest reason to use a file shredder, particularly in commercial environments, is security. If the file can be recovered, you are likely to expose yourself and the company to theft or breach of sensitive information. File shredders are software solutions use specialized algorithms to permanently remove data from computers, but also to free computer space occupied by leftover files.
One of the most known algorithms for permanent data wipe is Gutmann, a method that writes a series of 35 patterns over the hard disk region to be erased, so that no recovery application can restore the files. Considering that 35-passes could mean a lot of time for an average modern hard drive, you can also consider using tools that rely on other algorithms, such as DoD 5220.22-M, for instance.
It is worth mentioning that some of the file shredders included here also feature a handy scheduler option. Consequentially, if you are working with sensitive information on a regular basis, you can establish an interval when the files and folders used can be permanently wiped
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Applications
- 62,925 downloads
- 15.9 MB
east-tec Eraser 13.3.0.9257
Protect your privacy by securely wiping confidential documents and removing traces left behind by ...
- 99,189 downloads
- 8.36 MB
Eraser 6.2.0.2993
Make sure important documents or various files are permanently deleted and cannot be brought back,...
- 168,360 downloads
- 12.6 MB
WinUtilities Professional Edition 15.89
Make sure your computer is optimized and functioning as expected with this program that offers cou...
- 653,930 downloads
- 6.51 MB
Your Uninstaller! PRO 7.5.2014.03
Uninstall programs, delete registry entries, create system restore points, as well as shred files ...
- 2,134,656 downloads
- 79.8 MB
CCleaner 6.23.11010 Ad-supported / 5.84.9143 Clean
Make your PC as good as new by having junk files removed, broken registry fix and a lot more tools...
- 30,700 downloads
- 26.8 MB
R-Wipe&Clean 20.0 Build 2451
Security application with numerous options for wiping unused space, useless files and important da...
- 35,715 downloads
- 5.07 MB
Clean Disk Security 8.21
Cleans your disks without risking data loss, targeting recent files, the Recycle Bin, temporary fo...
- 634,505 downloads
- 70.3 MB
CCleaner Portable 6.23.11010
Safely remove the traces left behind by visited websites or third-party apps and clean your regist...
- 132,558 downloads
- 421 KB
DP WIPE 1.1
Make sure your classified or personal files are removed once and for all with the help of this lig...
- 2,763 downloads
- 1.45 MB
WinUtilities File Shredder 2.0
Remove files and folders once and for all through specialized wipe algorithms, and wash free space...
- 18,218 downloads
- 18.05 MB
BCWipe 7.50.3
Wipe your free space, or simply further secure your storage devices before selling or repurposing ...
- 14,916 downloads
- 518 KB
SDelete 2.05
Overwrite files that contain sensitive data and clean your system by deleting traces of previously...
- 8,256 downloads
- 2.4 MB
Alternate File Shredder 3.010
Wipe files, folders and free space to prevent unauthorized people from recovering files using spec...
- 5,532 downloads
- 53.1 MB
abylon SHREDDER 2024.10.4.0
Wipe private files, cache, cookies and browsing history, making data almost impossible to restore,...
- 21,210 downloads
- 2.55 MB
O&O SafeErase Professional 18.3 Build 610
Securely erase any files or folders you wish from your computer through this solution, which featu...
- 4,419 downloads
- 25.1 MB
O&O SafeErase Server 18.3 Build 610
An application that provides you with the possibility to securely delete files, folders or partiti...
- 3,170 downloads
- 27.6 MB
O&O SafeErase Workstation 16.8 Build 78
Protect your data when getting rid of an old storage device by completely erasing all files and fo...