Permanently get rid of files while preventing others from recovering them using Secure File Shredder, BitKiller, Eraser

May 11, 2016 15:09 GMT  ·  By

Holding down Shift while pressing the Delete key or delete files by sending them to the Recycle Bin and then emptying the trash can doesn't mean the items will be permanently removed.

In fact, there are many data recovery applications made to scan partitions and retrieve files without letting you know about it. If you want to prevent other people from getting hold of your personal information, turn to file shredders.

We are breaking down three such tools: Securely File Shredder, BitKiller and Eraser. They are free to use and feature multiple security algorithms, depending on how much time you're willing to spend waiting for the job to be over as well as how efficient you want the file removal to be.

Securely File Shredder

The main app window has an image of a trash can where you can drag and drop files or entire folders to get rid of multiple files at the same time. Alternatively, click the Delete file button and use the file navigator to find a file to wipe (multiple selections made by holding down Ctrl while clicking files are not possible). Click Delete Folder to explore a tree view, expand partitions and select a directory to securely erase.

Securely File Shredder asks for confirmation to delete the items, reminding you that the operation cannot be reversed. If you're sure, click Yes to proceed.

Click the button with the cylinder to Completely delete the contents of the Recycle Bin (Yes for confirmation). There are four security algorithms that can be used for shredding data: US DOD 5220.22 method (which is the default one, 4 passes), Schneier's method (7 passes), Gutmann method (35 passes), and Paranoid method (Schneier's method + destroys file references in Windows). The higher the number of passes is, the more effective the operation will be; however, the task will take a very long time. More info can be found on the developer's website.

BitKiller

BitKiller doesn't need to be installed, so you can simply double-click the downloaded .exe to launch the tool. Just like Securely File Shredder, it lets you drag and drop both files and folders in the main window. If this doesn't work on your PC, click Add File and use the file browser to indicate a file to shred (only one can be added at once, or click Add Folder, expand the tree view and point out a directory to wipe.

In the Overwrite Method column, pick the security method between All 0's (fast), Random data, DOD 3 pass (strong), DOD 7 pass (very strong) and Gutmann 25 pass (overkill). The descriptions in Brackets are self-explanatory and Random data is selected by default. Check the box of the method you're interested in and click Shred files to perform the task (Yes in the popup window for confirmation).

Eraser

Eraser has richer features than the previous two apps. In addition to shredding files and folders on the spot, it can schedule deletion jobs to run periodically, secure unused disk space (to prevent already deleted items from being recovered), securely move files and folders to other locations without leaving traces in the source, as well as wipe entire partitions. It also has more security algorithms.

In the Erase Schedule window, right-click to select New Task and bring up the Task Properties panel. Enter a Task name (optional) and select the Task Type: Run manually (data is shred when you give the command), Run immediately (data is shred right after clicking the Ok button), Run on restart (data is shred automatically next time to turn on your computer) or Recurring.

If you pick Recurring, go the Schedule tab and enter the time to Run this task at, as well as set the Recurrence Pattern to Daily (Every n days, Every weekday), Weekly (Every n weeks, on the following days and tick the days) or Monthly (On day n of every n month).

Returning to the Task pane, click Add Data to open the Select Data to Erase panel in order to set the Target type to File and click Browse to add just one file. Otherwise, you can set the Target Type to Files in Folder and click Browse to add a folder as well as include or exclude files by name or extension (Include Mask, Exclude Mask).

Click to set the Erasure method to the preferred option, such as Gutmann (35 passes), US DoD 5220.22-M, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II (7 passes), Schneier (7 passes) or German VSITR (7 passes). Otherwise, you can leave it as is (default).

Check out our video below to find out how these three tools work. You can also download Securely File Shredder, BitKiller and Eraser.

Emptying the Recycle Bin Doesn't Finish the Job, File Shredders Do

Prevent other people from recovering your personal, deleted files using data recovery software by turning to Securely File Shredder, BitKiller and Eraser. Check out our video and article: http://www.softpedia.com/blog/emptying-the-recycle-bin-doesn-t-finish-the-job-file-shredders-do-503957.shtml

Securely File Shredder, BitKiller and Eraser Screenshots (9 Images)

Securely erase files and folders using Securely File Shredder
Select the security algorithm in Securely File ShredderSecurely delete files and folders using BitKiller
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