File Shredder Apps and Alternatives
19 applications in this hubLast updated: Sep 8th 2021, 12:04 GMT
Despite the fact that you are deleting files from your computer, this does not automatically mean that the data is lost forever. In fact, most of these documents, media, tracks and other files can be restored using specialized programs. And no, it does not really matter that you also removed them from the Recycle Bin.
Consequentially, if you want to make sure that the data is permanently erased and hence cannot be recovered with the appropriate tools, you should consider using a shredding tool.
By far the biggest reason to use a file shredder, particularly in commercial environments, is security. If the file can be recovered, you are likely to expose yourself and the company to theft or breach of sensitive information. File shredders are software solutions use specialized algorithms to permanently remove data from computers, but also to free computer space occupied by leftover files.
One of the most known algorithms for permanent data wipe is Gutmann, a method that writes a series of 35 patterns over the hard disk region to be erased, so that no recovery application can restore the files. Considering that 35-passes could mean a lot of time for an average modern hard drive, you can also consider using tools that rely on other algorithms, such as DoD 5220.22-M, for instance.
It is worth mentioning that some of the file shredders included here also feature a handy scheduler option. Consequentially, if you are working with sensitive information on a regular basis, you can establish an interval when the files and folders used can be permanently wiped
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Applications
- 62,808 downloads
- 15.9 MB
east-tec Eraser 13.3.0.9257
Protect your privacy by securely wiping confidential documents and removing traces left behind by ...
- 97,692 downloads
- 8.35 MB
Eraser 6.2.0.2992
Make sure important documents or various files are permanently deleted and cannot be brought back,...
- 166,526 downloads
- 6.71 MB
WinUtilities Professional Edition 15.74
Optimize your computer's performance, run disk cleaning, detect invalid registry entries and error...
- 652,139 downloads
- 6.51 MB
Your Uninstaller! PRO 7.5.2014.03
Uninstall programs, delete registry entries, create system restore points, as well as shred files ...
- 2,110,204 downloads
- 30.2 MB
CCleaner 5.84.9143
Make your PC as good as new by having junk files removed, broken registry fix and a lot more tools...
- 29,220 downloads
- 24.4 MB
R-Wipe&Clean 20.0 Build 2330
Security application with numerous options for wiping unused space, useless files and important da...
- 35,325 downloads
- 4.99 MB
Clean Disk Security 8.2
Cleans your disks without risking data loss, targeting recent files, the Recycle Bin, temporary fo...
- 614,938 downloads
- 34.5 MB
CCleaner Portable 5.84.9143
Safely remove the traces left behind by visited websites or third-party apps and clean your regist...
- 130,769 downloads
- 421 KB
DP WIPE 1.1
Make sure your classified or personal files are removed once and for all with the help of this lig...
- 2,721 downloads
- 1.45 MB
WinUtilities File Shredder 2.0
Remove files and folders once and for all through specialized wipe algorithms, and wash free space...
- 22,404 downloads
- 1.1 MB
Delete Files Permanently 5.5
Swiftly and permanently remove files from your computer's hard disk with the help of this unobtrus...
- 17,724 downloads
- 18.1 MB
BCWipe 7.01.3
Wipe your free space, or simply further secure your storage devices before selling or repurposing ...
- 3,311 downloads
- 1.81 MB
Prevent Recovery 4.09
Wipe your drive in order to make sure all deleted files are unrecoverable, cleaning free space as ...
- 14,624 downloads
- 518 KB
SDelete 2.04
Overwrite files that contain sensitive data and clean your system by deleting traces of previously...
- 7,643 downloads
- 870 KB
Alternate File Shredder 2.700
Wipe files, folders and free space to prevent unauthorized people from recovering files using spec...
- 5,301 downloads
- 50.9 MB
abylon SHREDDER 20.30.6
Wipe private files, cache, cookies and browsing history, making data almost impossible to restore,...
- 18,278 downloads
- 27.7 MB
O&O SafeErase Professional 16.5 Build 71
Wipe out data permanently from the computer using powerful deletion algorithms this application pr...
- 2,828 downloads
- 27.6 MB
O&O SafeErase Server 16.5 Build 71
An application that provides you with the possibility to securely delete files, folders or partiti...
- 2,938 downloads
- 27.6 MB
O&O SafeErase Workstation 16.5 Build 71
Protect your data when getting rid of an old storage device by completely erasing all files and fo...