| Data security has become a bigger concern as the | | | | just associated with the file to say that it has been |
| information age goes into full swing. Computers are | | | | deleted, and the space it occupies on the disk is |
| becoming more and more commonplace as versatile | | | | marked available for use. This means that the data in |
| tools for a wide variety of tasks and uses. This has | | | | the file remains on the disk for the knowledgeable |
| made digital storage increasingly the data storage | | | | hacker to extract and view. |
| format of choice, since digital information is easily | | | | Wiping a disk, on the other hand, is a much more |
| accessed and processed by computers. | | | | thorough process. In a disk wipe, all data to be wiped |
| This has led to a rise in interest in digital information | | | | off is actually overwritten with random data. This |
| and data storage systems. Apart from developments | | | | eliminates almost entirely the traces that a normal |
| in hardware technology that allow bigger capacity | | | | deletion leaves behind, and makes recovery of data |
| devices with faster access times, security has also | | | | practically impossible. (In theory, it would still be |
| become a prime consideration. Most software and | | | | possible to reconstruct the data lost after a hard disk |
| programs nowadays come equipped with varying | | | | wipe, but this would require high-powered |
| levels of security options. For instance, it is now | | | | microscopes and would proceed much too slowly to |
| possible to protect almost any file with a password | | | | be useful!) |
| such that only those who can provide the correct | | | | Performing a disk wipe is facilitated by the many disk |
| password would be able to access the information | | | | wipe programs available. There are many free |
| within the file. | | | | options, as well as commercial software options, |
| However, these software security measures would | | | | which may differ in terms of functionality and |
| not stand up to dedicated data extraction efforts, in | | | | documentation. The majority of these are available |
| particular those involving the actual physical hardware. | | | | online, which makes it quite easy to browse through |
| Physically securing the hard drive (or other data | | | | and find the most appropriate program for the |
| storage device) under consideration may not always | | | | specific task. Some programs are designed for use |
| be possible or practical. Another way of ensuring that | | | | on a single personal computer, while others may be |
| important data is not placed at risk is to wipe the | | | | designed for use on batches of computers. |
| disk. | | | | Confidential data that needs to be kept from being |
| Simply deleting the contents of a hard disk is not | | | | exposed may best be hidden by using a disk wipe. |
| enough to ensure that they are not recovered. In | | | | This simple additional security measure makes the |
| fact, there are software utilities that allow the | | | | recovery of deleted data nearly impossible. With the |
| recovery of deleted data. This possibility is because | | | | many disk wipe programs available, it is easier than |
| when a file is deleted, it is not actually overwritten or | | | | ever to perform a disk wipe, even for casual users, |
| removed from the hard disk. Instead, a marker is | | | | making this a real data security option. |