Re: how to sweep hard disk of confidential data
On Sun, 18 Jul 2004, H. S. wrote:
>
> I am in a situation where a computer is to be given away and prior to
> that it's hard disk needs to *thoroughly* cleaned (data consists of
> financial information, reports, class exams, competition exams, etc).
>
> One method I have found on google is:
> $>dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda
> to clean the first disk. Now this only writes data once. I am not sure
> about this method's thoroughness since I have read that multiple writes
> are necessary to really overwrite the original data.
>
> The second method that I have read is to delete everything from the disk
> and then write a large file (how to get his? random data?) repeatedly
> and fill the disk. Then remove these files with 'wipe'.
>
> Any suggestions? Or any alternate methods? Then there is also the option
> of using a Windows programs to do this. But I am familiar with those.
If you are interested in the subject you should read the current thread
on the full-disclosure list about this topic. It is quite informative!
Here's the archived version for you perusal. I highly recommend you read
it.
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/fulldisc/full-disclosure/23767
Grx HdV
Reply to: