How to Permanently Delete Files to Protect Privacy and Passwords « Null Byte :: WonderHowTo

Permanently deleting files is something that a lot of people aren't aware of. Actually, most people think that once a file is deleted, it is gone forever. This is not the case. Hard drives write to the disk via magnetic charges, positive and negative correlate to 1s and 0s for binary. This is then interpreted into information for the computer to use and access.When you delete a file, all that happens is a little modification to the binary that tells the computer it can be written over. So that means when you delete a file, it actually is still there until it is written over. So the simple solution would be to write over it, yes? No, actually. Files can still be recovered by taking bits and pieces of files and "guessing" what comes next, effectively recovering the file. You can write over a file up to 7 times, from my personal experience, before it becomes unrecoverable.So, today in thisNull Byte, we are going to be shredding some files to make them unrecoverable. This is a useful technique for when you have private information containing your social security number, or maybe just some private text. Be sure to do this before selling your computer as well, as I know people who buy used computers just to steal and recover credentials and other sensitive files.We will be using the free softwareCCleanerto shred our files in Windows. Linux and Mac users should useBleachBitandOnyxrespectively. I won't be teaching Mac and Linux because it is literally the same to use both programs.Step1Download & Install CCleanerInstall CCleaner from theirofficial page.Run the installer.Next > Next > Next  > Finish.Step2Run CCleaner to Shred FilesIn CCleaner, you can specify how many times the program will write over your files or free space. For this I recommend using 10 passes. Anything beyond that is not recoverable for sure. Let's jump right into a video for a quick walkthrough of using this software.Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.This will protect your computer from ever having sensitive data like passwords and cookies recovered. It will also speed your computer up! I suggest people start using SSDs more frequently, as this issue doesn't exist with a solid state drive because it's flash memory. SSDs only require one pass before data isn't recoverable.That's it for thisNull Byte. Come join theIRCto talk with me and the rest of Null Byte.Want to start making money as a white hat hacker?Jump-start your hacking career with our2020 Premium Ethical Hacking Certification Training Bundlefrom the newNull Byte Shopand get over 60 hours of training from cybersecurity professionals.Buy Now (90% off) >Other worthwhile deals to check out:97% off The Ultimate 2021 White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle99% off The 2021 All-in-One Data Scientist Mega Bundle98% off The 2021 Premium Learn To Code Certification Bundle62% off MindMaster Mind Mapping Software: Perpetual LicenseImage vianovainfosecportalRelatedHow To:Restore Permanently Deleted Files with RecuvaHow To:Recover Permanently Deleted Files Through RecuvaHow To:Hardwipe Tools to Permanently Deleted Files and Prevent Data RecoveryHow To:Delete Your Facebook Account & Scrub Your DataHow To:Delete Files on Android So They Can't Ever Be RecoveredHow To:Lock Your Files & Create Password-Protected Folders in Windows 7/8How To:PIN-Protect Photos, Log-in Credentials, Credit Card Info, Notes, & More with KeeplyChrome 101:How to Set Your Privacy & Choose Which Data to Share with GoogleHow To:The Ultimate Guide to Password-Protecting Files & Folders in Mac OS X YosemiteNews:30+ Privacy & Security Settings in iOS 12 You Should Check Right NowHow To:7 Privacy Tips for Photos & Videos on Your iPhoneHow To:Permanently erase computer files in your trashHacking Windows 10:How to Find Sensitive & 'Deleted' Files RemotelyNews:24 iOS 11 Privacy & Security Settings You Should Check Right NowSignal 101:How to Quickly Delete All Your Messages at OnceNews:How to Speed Up Your Computer Before Upgrading RAMHow To:4 Ways to Hide All Traces of Your Messages Using Signal Private MessengerHow To:Password protect files and folders in Mac OS XHow To:Password protect files and folders in WindowsHow To:Add a "Recycle Bin" to Your Nexus 5 for Easier File RecoveryHow To:Password-Protect Your Pages Documents So Only You & Allowed Collaborators Can Access ThemHow To:Permanently delete previously deleted files on a MacHow To:Delete temporary internet files on a BlackBerry smartphoneHow To:Lock OneDrive Files with Your Fingerprint or Face IDHow To:Lock Your Photos, Videos, Files, & Passwords in a Digital Safe for iOSHow To:Protect your privacy by choosing secure passwordsHow To:Password protect a file or folder on Microsoft VistaHow To:Permanently delete temporary files in Windows XPHow To:23 Important iOS 10 Privacy Settings Everyone Should Double-CheckHow To:Permanently Erase Data So That It Cannot be RecoveredGoodnight Byte:HackThisSite, Realistic 5 - Real Hacking SimulationsHow To:Edit Your Google+ Account SettingsHide Your Secrets:How to Password-Lock a Folder in Windows 7 with No Additional SoftwareSecure Your Computer, Part 2:Password-Protect the GRUB Bootloader on Dual-Booted PCsHow To:Chrome Shares Your Activity with Google - Here's How to Use Comodo Dragon to Block ItHow To:Bypass Windows and Linux PasswordsHow To:Remove a Windows Password with a Linux Live CDNews:Should Kids Be Allowed to Use Facebook and Google+?Secure Your Computer, Part 3:Encrypt Your HDD/SSD to Prevent Data TheftHow To:Password protect folders and make files invisible