Secure Deletion tools are tools that completely delete the item that the user requests to be deleted.

Why don't operating systems do this by default?

Programs of Special Note

Aiko SecuWipe

Secure data deletion for Windows Mobile PDAs, Smartphones and Windows CE handhelds. Wipes contacts, email, SMS, free space, files and folders.

http://www.aikosolutions.com

BangDisk

Offers several patterns for wiping data, wipe multiple types of media at one time USB, ATA, SCSI, CF and more.

http://www.bangdisk.com

BCWipe

Secure data deletion tools for Windows and Unix-like operating systems.

CyberScrub cyberCide

This program securely erases all data from drives or partitions.

http://www.cyberscrub.com/products/cybercide/index.php

CyberScrub Privacy Suite

This program securely erases selected data, wipes free space, powerful scheduling capabilities.

http://www.cyberscrub.com/products/privacysuite/index.php

CyberScrub Compliance Suite

Network-based program securely erases selected data, wipes free space, powerful scheduling and log file reporting capabilities. Ideal for enforcing document life-cycle and data retention policies. Ensures compliance with HIPAA, Sarbanes Oxley, FACTA, Gramm Leach Bliley and more

http://www.cyberscrub.com/products/compliancesuite/index.php

Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN)

This is a bootable disk that securely wipes any hard disk it can detect.

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Eraser

Offers several patterns for wiping data including Peter Gutmann's and the US DoD 5200.28-STD standard.

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser

Ontrack Data Eraser

...

shred

http://www.gnu.org/software/coreutils/ linux version of GNU shred

http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/coreutils.htm Win32 version of GNU shred

Part of GNU coreutils.

wipe

http://abaababa.ouvaton.org/wipe/

Atomsmasher

http://www.secureatom.com

Lenovo SDD

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-56394

See also

• Anti-forensic techniques
• Database Encryption.