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Erasing Data Permanently

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Individual users usually use their PCs to store vital information, related to their financial transactions etc. When the time comes to replace the old computer with a new one, of course the natural thing to do is remove any sensitive information that one does not want others to be privy to. The average user could imagine that deleting files from the trash bin is enough to erase data completely. Slightly more informed users may perhaps reformat the hard disk or re-partition drives and can be fooled into believing that all the data has been erased permanently. This is not the case though, and just like cockroaches are believed to survive holocausts, data just keeps rearing its head.

Re-formatting Disks

Let us discuss re-formatting disks just so we understand that it isn’t enough of a procedure to erase data permanently. There are two main purposes of formatting a drive. The primary purpose of formatting is to recreate the master file tables which keep a track of file contents that are stored on the disk. Secondly, formatting a disk monitors each sector to check if it is okay to read and write to.

Low-level formatting is a time consuming process but does not erase the contents of the files present in the master file tables. After formatting, it takes very little effort to retrieve the deleted files.

Re-partitioning Disks

You may be one of the many people who believe that repartitioning a disk is sufficient to erase all deleted files on a hard disk. This, however, is a misconception. Changing the size and sequence of the partition of a disk does not erase deleted files completely. This process only alters the partition tables stored on the disk and results in erasing only a few bytes by which the partition is defined. Further, there are programs available that can restore the entire hard disk drive, including previously deleted files.

Re-writing to Erase Data

It must be understood that deleted files continue to remain on a drive unless overwritten by something else. The Master File Table marks the location previously occupied by the deleted files, as being free. These free clusters make up the free space in the disk and the contents of deleted files.

Our confidential information, continue to be stored in locations we’re not even aware of. There are several hidden files that contain the details of a document’s information due to a phenomenon known as document migration.

Users ought to employ a file deletion management system in order to protect data in deleted files. Many such programs are available in the market which can help us ensure that our confidential information is erased permanently. Completely overwriting data in deleted files or on the hard drive is the only way to erase data.

The Dangers of Not Erasing Data

Just as the world of information technology has made our lives easier and more efficient, it has also given rise to world of hackers and internet thieves. Valuable and confidential data is out there within the reach of miscreants just waiting to use it to their advantage. If we use our PCs for online transactions, the data is stored somewhere in the realms of the hard drive. If the hard drive is accessed by a third person and the data not permanently erased, financial transactions we have no idea about, can be carried out in our name.

The danger lies in the fact that we probably think we have permanently deleted our files only to find out to the contrary. We need to be extra careful and make sure that data is erased permanently to avoid dire consequences.

Conclusion

Re-formatting, re-partitioning and re-writing of a disk are not just computer jargon meant for the professionals. Every PC user who uses a computer to store any kind of valuable data should make the effort to read up and be equipped with enough information. With a bit of research one can use the world of information technology to one’s advantage and not become its victim. Knowing how to erase data permanently is a necessity and not a choice.

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<h1>Erasing Data Permanently</h1><br />by jameswalsh<br /><p> <br />Individual users usually use their PCs to store vital information, related to their financial transactions etc. When the time comes to replace the old computer with a new one, of course the natural thing to do is remove any sensitive information that one does not want others to be privy to. The average user could imagine that deleting files from the trash bin is enough to erase data completely. Slightly more informed users may perhaps reformat the hard disk or re-partition drives and can be fooled into believing that all the data has been erased permanently. This is not the case though, and just like cockroaches are believed to survive holocausts, data just keeps rearing its head.</p> <p><b>Re-formatting Disks</b></p> <p>Let us discuss re-formatting disks just so we understand that it isn’t enough of a procedure to erase data permanently. There are two main purposes of formatting a drive. The primary purpose of formatting is to recreate the master file tables which keep a track of file contents that are stored on the disk. Secondly, formatting a disk monitors each sector to check if it is okay to read and write to.</p> <p>Low-level formatting is a time consuming process but does not erase the contents of the files present in the master file tables. After formatting, it takes very little effort to retrieve the deleted files.</p> <p><b>Re-partitioning Disks</b></p> <p>You may be one of the many people who believe that repartitioning a disk is sufficient to erase all deleted files on a hard disk. This, however, is a misconception. Changing the size and sequence of the partition of a disk does not erase deleted files completely. This process only alters the partition tables stored on the disk and results in erasing only a few bytes by which the partition is defined. Further, there are programs available that can restore the entire hard disk drive, including previously deleted files.</p> <p><b>Re-writing to Erase Data</b></p> <p>It must be understood that deleted files continue to remain on a drive unless overwritten by something else. The Master File Table marks the location previously occupied by the deleted files, as being free. These free clusters make up the free space in the disk and the contents of deleted files. </p> <p>Our confidential information, continue to be stored in locations we’re not even aware of. There are several hidden files that contain the details of a document’s information due to a phenomenon known as document migration.</p> <p>Users ought to employ a file deletion management system in order to protect data in deleted files. Many such programs are available in the market which can help us ensure that our confidential information is erased permanently. Completely overwriting data in deleted files or on the hard drive is the only way to erase data.</p> <p><b>The Dangers of Not Erasing Data</b></p> <p>Just as the world of information technology has made our lives easier and more efficient, it has also given rise to world of hackers and internet thieves. Valuable and confidential data is out there within the reach of miscreants just waiting to use it to their advantage. If we use our PCs for online transactions, the data is stored somewhere in the realms of the hard drive. If the hard drive is accessed by a third person and the data not permanently erased, financial transactions we have no idea about, can be carried out in our name.</p> <p>The danger lies in the fact that we probably think we have permanently deleted our files only to find out to the contrary. We need to be extra careful and make sure that data is erased permanently to avoid dire consequences.</p> <p><b>Conclusion</b></p> <p>Re-formatting, re-partitioning and re-writing of a disk are not just computer jargon meant for the professionals. Every PC user who uses a computer to store any kind of valuable data should make the effort to read up and be equipped with enough information. With a bit of research one can use the world of information technology to one’s advantage and not become its victim. Knowing how to erase data permanently is a necessity and not a choice.</p> <p></p> <br /><h2>About the Author</h2><p>James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and <a href="http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk">Computer Forensics</a> see <a href="http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk" title="www.fieldsassociates.co.uk">http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk</a> </p> <br /><h3><a href="http://www.content4reprint.com/computer/data-recovery/erasing-data-permanently.htm" title="Erasing Data Permanently">Article Source:</a> <a href="http://www.content4reprint.com" title="Free high quality articles">Content for Reprint</a></h3>