To achieve permanent deletion, you need digital file shredder programs. They use multiple sanitization techniques to cleanse data bytes and eliminate any trace of your old files. In this article, we’ll discuss the most reliable, secure options.
1. Eraser
Eraser is a widely trusted digital file shredding tool. The platform features 10 data sanitization techniques, including GOST R 50739-95, DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, and its default algorithm, Gutmann. Users argue that its diverse sanitization systems make it the most secure scrubber today.
Moreover, Eraser undergoes frequent updates. Its developers release modified versions two to three times a year. You can rest assured that the program works on the latest Windows versions, stops new data recovery attacks, and supports modern file types. It also introduces new features every year or two.
Just note that Eraser’s advanced sanitization methods take a while to execute. You likely can’t run RAM-intensive programs like video editing tools, programming systems, or simulation games while scrubbing. Consider scheduling your deletions ahead of time.
Download: Eraser for Windows (Free)
2. Sysinternals: SDelete
Most digital file shredders work well on Windows devices. You can use them to permanently delete various files with no special attributes, from voice recordings to downloaded photos.
Although convenient, third-party programs have several limitations. Most scrubbers can’t overwrite restricted data with special attributes that use technologies unique to Microsoft. For a more advanced scrubber specifically made for Windows devices, try Sysinternals: SDelete. The Microsoft Sysinternals team developed this command line.
You can use Sysinternals: SDelete to delete any file on Windows permanently. It uses the defragmentation API, a sanitization method that pinpoints and overwrites data with special attributes (i.e., encrypted, compressed, sparse files). The platform overwrites files 26 times. Even skilled hackers would need billions of years to recover these files through brute force tactics.
Download: SDelete for Windows (Free)
3. Securely File Shredder
Not everyone needs complex scrubbers. Having nearly a dozen data sanitization techniques at your disposal won’t yield helpful results if you can’t maximize them. Some users prefer convenience over sophisticated features.
One of the most straightforward, navigable options on the market is Securely File Shredder. It features a simple platform that only comes with three sanitization techniques: Schneier, DoD 5220.22-M, and Gutmann. Executing them only requires a few clicks.
Apart from being simple, Securely File Shredder is also very swift. It scrubs files quicker than its counterparts since its data sanitization methods require fewer file overwrites. You can likely scrub a 500 GB drive in under an hour.
Download: Securely File Shredder for Windows (Free)
4. WipeFile
Users with experience running digital file shredders know that installing them takes quite a while. You can probably set up 4 MB tools in 15 to 30 minutes. To speed up scrubbing, consider using lightweight, portable digital file shredders like WipeFile. The program is only 135 KB. Since installation only takes a few seconds, you can carry it around on a flash drive and run it on any Windows device you use.
Despite the platform’s small size, it still offers excellent security. You can choose from 14 data sanitization methods, including Gutmann, Write Zero, DoD 5220.22-M, MS Cipher, and Bit Toggle. They can overwrite data 20+ times.
Download: WipeFile for Windows (Free)
5. Moo0 File Shredder
Most digital file shredders eat up too much RAM. Even modern PCs and laptops with decent processing power will lag a bit, especially when deleting files in bulk. You can only shred at scheduled periods. If your job requires you to delete digital files nonstop, consider Moo0 File Shredder. It’s a lightweight program with three streamlined data sanitization techniques, all of which use minimal RAM.
Its least demanding method uses cluster tip area scrubbing and pseudo-random data erasure to change the deleted file’s name, timestamp, size, and attributes twice. You can shred for hours on end without lag. Meanwhile, Moo0 File Shredder’s more intensive method utilizes the Gutmann algorithm to change the deleted file’s name, size, attributes, and timestamp 20+ times. Not even advanced recovery tools can restore these scrubbed elements.
Download: Moo0 File Shredder for Windows (Free)
6. CleanMyMac X
Although CleanMyMax X isn’t an official Apple program, it’s one of the most widely known data-erasing apps for macOS devices. It has a 4.6-star review pooled from 6,700+ ratings. You can use it for free, but you’ll have to pay $89.95 to unlock its full features. The app also offers subscription-based pricing starting at $39.95 per year.
Users praise CleanMyMax X for its efficiency. The program runs a unique data sanitization technique that works properly on the latest macOS versions. Very few scrubbers can keep up with Apple’s OS updates.
Another reason why Apple users like CleanMyMac X is that they find it convenient to use. It’s a multifunctional platform that gives insights into your CPU loan, RAM capacity, unused system garbage, junk data, redundant files, and overall system health. The developers even claim that routinely running CleanMyMac X optimizes your macOS device.
Download: CleanMyMax X for Mac (Free, premium version and subscription available)
7. Shreddit
Shreddit is an effective digital file shredder for Android devices. You can use it to clean data on internal and external storage simultaneously, including SD Cards and On The Go adapters. Just don’t run intensive programs while scrubbing to avoid risking crashes.
Although you have several options for permanently deleting files on Android devices, none are as simple as Shreddit. You can perform deletions with just a few clicks. Shreddit’s developers also continuously release bug fixes and app updates, further streamlining the scrubbing process.
As for security, Shreddit offers seven sanitization methods, including US DoD 5220.22-M, German VSITR, Random Filler, One Filler, and NIST 800-88. Most of them should properly run on updated Android OS versions.
Download: Shreddit for Android (Free)
Make a Habit of Using Digital File Shredders for Deleted Data
Although the digital file shredders we mentioned efficiently delete data, they’re not one-size-fits-all permanent deletion solutions. Feel free to explore other apps. Find one that works well with your commonly used platforms and accommodates your file shredding needs.
Just note that shredders only stop cybercriminals from recovering deleted data. So apart from permanently deleting your files, secure your cloud-based and local storage systems as well. Practices like encrypting saved files go a long way in preventing cyberattacks.
