Protecting Your Privacy: Key Reasons to Use a File Eraser

When you delete files on your computer using the standard delete button, it might seem like they’re gone for good. Yet, anyone can recover these files easily with the help of specialized data recovery tools. To protect your privacy and ensure permanent removal of sensitive information, you should opt for a file eraser.

In today’s digital world, where there are frequent incidents of data theft, file erasers play a vital role in preserving your privacy. These specialized tools employ advanced algorithms to overwrite your data repeatedly, shredding data to a degree that makes recovery or reconstruction impossible.

The Risks to Individual Data

Before getting into the details of securely erasing files on your computer, you must first understand the consequences of not doing so. Unused files occupy valuable space that can otherwise be used by new applications or for storing other files.

Yet, the main reason for secure file deletion isn't just to free up space; it's primarily done for security and privacy reasons. Here are some of the risks involved with insecure deletion:

• Identity Theft: Access to your personal data, such as social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, etc., can be used to commit identity theft.
• Financial Fraud: Banking details, credit/debit card information, and other confidential financial data can be misused by unauthorized persons to make illegal transactions and other types of frauds.
• Privacy Invasion: Leakage of sensitive personal data, including photos, videos, emails, and messages, can violate your privacy.
• Damage: Sensitive information, such as personal projects or work-related documents can be leaked or misused, causing damage to your personal or professional reputation.
• Extortion and Blackmail: Leaked data can be used by malicious actors for blackmail or extortion, demanding money or other favors.

Understanding Secure Data Deletion: File Deletion v/s File Erasure

Contrary to what many think, simply sending a file to the recycle bin or hitting 'delete' doesn't guarantee that it's gone for good. To understand this in detail, you first need to know the difference between file deletion and erasure.

• File deletion: When you delete a file, it’s not immediately erased from your computer’s storage drive. Instead, the OS marks the space occupied by the deleted file as available for storing new data. As long as this space is not overwritten by new data, there’s a possibility of recovering the deleted files using specialized data recovery software.
• File erasure: Data erasure is the intentional and methodical action of permanently deleting all digital information from a storage drive. Using specialized algorithms, the file eraser tools securely delete files by overwriting them multiple times with random binary characters. This process, also known as secure file deletion, makes it impossible to reconstruct the original information.

How to Securely Delete Files?

To securely delete files, you must take extra steps to ensure their permanent removal and prevent any possibility of recovery. Let's delve into some available methods of secure file deletion.

Securely Delete Files Using Built-in Utility for Windows and macOS

Built-in secure deletion tools provided by many operating systems and drive management utilities, are typically easy to use.

For example, Windows users can use the Cipher command to overwrite files with random data, ensuring their secure deletion. Alternatively, macOS users can use the SRM command to remove files.

Although these command-line tools provide a basic level of security, they are not suitable for non-technical users. They also lack advanced features, including the ability to wipe specific types of data, such as browser histories or temporary files.

Securely Deleting Files Using File Eraser Software

Stellar File Eraser is a professional file eraser software that permanently wipes traces, deleted data, files and folders stored on your computer. This DIY tool is compatible with both Windows and macOS and comes with an intuitive user interface, making it a reliable choice for both personal and business usage.

Stellar File Eraser uses advanced shredding algorithms to delete files permanently and ensure that the remnants of the data are unrecoverable. It offers a Scheduling feature for automating the file wiping tasks, according to time, day and frequency, eliminating the need for manual effort or reminders.

Bottom Line

File erasure isn’t only about freeing up disk space; it’s about keeping information secure from unauthorized access. To protect your digital privacy, it’s crucial to securely delete files beyond the scope of recovery.

For this purpose, we recommend using professional file eraser software to safeguard sensitive data beyond what standard deletion can do. Take control of your personal information, Use Stellar File Eraser now!