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| Thread ID: 43073 | 2004-03-02 11:24:00 | deleted files | wjohn (2330) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 219603 | 2004-03-02 11:24:00 | I have deleted files on my PC which contain personal financial information. I am concerned from what I read in PC World that these files may be recoverable. I know there are several pieces of software which will shred them but what I want to know is:- How do I find out if any of these files are still hanging around, so that I can take the necessary steps to delete them? Thanks. johnw |
wjohn (2330) | ||
| 219604 | 2004-03-02 12:52:00 | Download small program called Eraser and run the freespace wipe overnight and you'll be fine. Of course the file could have been copied into the page file but you can get that wiped too with the program. With that program the likely hood of deleting the file will be 80% or therareabouts with about 20% recovery chance possible by forensics (est.). No doubt BillyT and others will post saying "You can't erase the data it will always be there! Bash the drive with a hammer! Bash it! Crash it! Burn it! Bash it! Crash it! Burn it!" :^O Their specialty is with fancy words not data destruction. |
PoWa (203) | ||
| 219605 | 2004-03-02 12:59:00 | Just run her over with a ditch digger. | metla (154) | ||
| 219606 | 2004-03-02 13:16:00 | Uisng a good eraser program will ensure thatthe data will not be recovered easily. Doing a 32 pass wipe will stop nearly everyone from recovering your data unless they have access to very expensive hardware recovery devices. I doubt very much that someone will spend $10,000 or more just to recover your credit card number so they can use up you $2,000 credit limit. I find east tech eraser to be very good at getting rid of those passwords and account details. I have tried several of the top of the line (for the non professional) data recovery programs and so far they haven't been able to recover diddly squat. If you do store sensitive information then I also suggest you use PGP Disk and create an encrypted drive that they won't be able to access even if they do manage to recover some of the files. |
Odin (227) | ||
| 219607 | 2004-03-02 21:40:00 | The most appropriate action is dictated by your personal need and perceived level of risk/consequences WJ. That action can be anything from a simple defrag to consolidate your files, followed by a freeware eraser program to wipe the free space; up to transfer of data to a new HDD and safe disposal of the old disk. For almost all purposes option 1 is adequate, but only you know the sensitivity of your data and the true degree of external interest in what it contains. However, in simple terms you don't need any greater security now than you imposed when the data was originally stored on your HDD and accessible via your keyboard. In fact, the risk is much lower now that you have deleted the files, assuming that the same HDD is still in use. If you were disposing of the computer, then removing the HDD and keeping it or destroying it is the cheapest and simplest way of ensuring security. Cheers Billy 8-{) For an insight into PoWa's journey down the path well-trodden, take a look Here (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz) and Here. (pressf1.pcworld.co.nz) He has been there and done that, hence his somewhat obscure reference to *termination with extreme prejudice* of old disks containing confidential data. |
Billy T (70) | ||
| 219608 | 2005-02-21 20:37:00 | I find east tech eraser to be very good at getting rid of those passwords and account details. I have tried several of the top of the line (for the non professional) data recovery programs and so far they haven't been able to recover diddly squat. Yes, East Tech Eraser is the way to go. Got the 2003 version awile ago and recently converter to East-Tech Eraser 2005 Professional. You can actually buy it with a 10% discount www.deprice.com |
deaddybear (5338) | ||
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