What Number of Passes is enough for wipe free space and file wiping?

Number of passes when wiping free space and wiping files

What number of passes is enough? Today, security experts says that it is enough just one pass. Why publisher of some file shredders still suggest an option to select more passes when overwriting information?

Back to 90th when the computers and hard disk were slow and use a low density magnetic records it was really necessary to overwrite data several times in order to make it deleted secure. That is why the DoD standard was developed.

Today, it is enough to overwrite data just once. More important security problem, everyone should focus on is company data leakage and stealing information via residential programs.

There is no difference between wiping a single file or wiping a free disk space - the answer is the same, it is enough to wipe data just once.

There are some more ideas about file wipers and wiping disk space.

The most popular file shredders

Blancco File Shredder

by large security software supplier

Visit Blancco company homepage.

While Blancco Lite and Pro are primary for large businesses (company has over 1.5M licensed end-user in various industries), we recommend to try Blancco - File Shredder (buy Blancco File Shredder for $32.45). This tool is a file shredder, which supports shreddering of single files, folders, recycle bin, temporary files and wiping of free disk space.

If you face computer sale security problem, then you might be interested in using Blancco - Lite (buy Blancco Lite for $25.95) for total wiping of PC hard disk before sale and Blancco - Pro (buy Blancco Pro for $110.50), designed for unlimited number of wiping.

Shred Agent file shredder

with background mode wiping

Visit Shred Agent homepage.

The Shred Agent is so-called "background mode" file shredder. This approach to wiping is more secure and easier to implement in business of any size. With Shred Agent you also can wipe free disk space for selected drives or schedule the wiping on a regular basis.

The professional version of Shred Agent costs $60, but home users for non-commercial application can purchase the tool for $45.

WinShredder File Shredder

with system and browser cleaner

Buy WinShredder file shredder for $29.99.

WinShredder is a file shredder designed by PC. It allows to overwrite data unlimited number of times (that's good, but today it is enough just 1 pass).

More over, this shredder allows to wipe chat transcripts, temporary internet files and clipboard data.

This is a very nice feature-rich utility that can be purchased for $29.99 in company online store.

Max File Shredder

uses 7-pass DOD wiping method

Buy Max File Shredder for $29.95

Max File Shredder uses a 7-pass DOD wiping algorithm for both file wiping and wiping free disk space. Also, the program has a "Privacy Guard" options that helps to get rid of unnecessary records in Internet Explorer browser. More over, you are able to scheduler the wiping to make an automation wiping of free disk space. We recommend to do this once a week.

The program is available in Max Secure Software online store for $29.95.

File security and Personal Privacy Vocabulary

learn meaning of some security related words to choose wise

• File Security: File Wiping, Wipe Disk, File Shredder, Number of Passes,
• Personal Privacy: Temporary Files, Background Wiping, Recycle Bin, Recent Files,
• Internet Security: Browser History, Browser Cookies