These programs take a lot of time, and can be complicated. Some don’t work that well. If you’ve got some money to spend, and you are serious about secure file deletion, some data recovery companies offer a secure file deletion service on a per hour basis. Try ESS Data Recovery for this type of thing. They know how to recover data, so it’s logical for them to know how to make data unrecoverable. Data recovery companies closely guard their secrets, but it’s safe to assume that when performing secure deletes they use methods other than just downloaded software. However, these methods are nondestructive and the drive should be returned to you in its original state. Make sure the company you choose guarantees nondestructive deletion, and make sure it’s done this sort of thing before. If you don’t want the drive back, they also provide physical destruction services, although most of the time it’s far cheaper to do it yourself (unless, of course, you simply don’t have the time or you have far too many drives to consider any home method).
Don’t Be Too Sure
Never assume that your files are gone from a hard drive if you haven’t either physically maimed the platters beyond recognition (we’re talking Friday the 13th style) or used the Department of Defense secure deletion standard. These methods are the only ways to make sure, and I mean sure, that your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. If you’re one of those people who really tends to worry about things, use both methods. With data recovery technology increasing every day, there’s no telling what forensic engineers will be able to do. However, there are limits to data recovery, and if you follow DoD7 guidelines or physically destroy the data, the data recovery companies won’t be able to access your data, and unless they’re willing to get really close to my neighbor’s dog, I shouldn’t have a problem.