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- Norton
- August 08, 2018 3 min read
Most of us are familiar with deleting data, we do it almost every day but is it really gone from a device when deleted?
Most of us are familiar with deleting data, we do it almost every day. We move folders into the recycling bin, dump old emails into the trash, and delete personal records and photos to free up space on a computer’s hard drive. But what really happens to all that data? Where does it go, and is it really gone forever?
Some people will be relieved to know that, most of the time, deleted files are not permanently gone. Many of us have at one time or another accidently deleted items we did not mean to; in this case the prospect of bringing those files back from the dead is usually good news.
The bad news is that most people don’t think about these files unless they need to recover them. Moreover, most people don’t realise they’re not actually gone.
What if someone else wanted to get at these deleted files? How could they do it? And could you stop them?
What Really Happens When You Delete a File?
When you drag a folder into the trash bin on your desktop, all you’re doing is deleting the file system—the road the operating system takes to retrieve the data. The file still exists on the hard drive and could easily be retrieved with recovery software. So, just because you can’t see a file in the directory after it’s been deleted doesn’t mean that it’s not there. This is a real security issue most computer users do not take seriously until it’s too late.
Deleted Files Are at Risk
Cybercriminals, hackers, and other online vigilantes can gain access to personal information stored in your computer even after you think you’ve deleted the files for good. This includes everything from financial documents to scanned images. If you think those files are gone because you’ve sent them to the trash bin, think again. But what happens to your device after you discard it?
Computer forensics is a common term in today’s news headlines and usually refers to the recovery of illegal files, information, or content from a confiscated computer. However, cybercriminals utilise the same techniques and tools as government agencies and law enforcement to access deleted files.
When Is Deleting a File Okay?
You should feel confident deleting files if they do not contain personal or sensitive information, and would be of no value to anyone else.
Deleting a file would be adequate if you were simply trying to free up space on the hard drive or reduce clutter.
But, always ask yourself these three questions before deleting data:
• Will I ever need this again?
• Could someone use this information against me?
• Would I be uncomfortable if a stranger recovered this data?
If the answer is ‘No’ to all three of these questions, then deleting the file is sufficient.
When Is Deleting a File Not Enough?
Files containing personal information, business records, and even financial data are not safe if merely deleted. For these documents, you need to take further steps to ensure that the records are irretrievable and that cyber criminals cannot find them on your hard drive.
Ask yourself those same three questions. If the answer is ‘yes’ to all three, you will need to wipe the data from your hard drive.
How to Permanently Delete Data
Formatting a hard drive and wiping it clean are not the same things. Formatted hard drives will still contain retrievable data. If you wish to permanently delete files, you will need to overwrite the data with special software.
There are free versions of eraser software for both Mac and PC. Always back up anything you do not wish to lose once the hard drive has been wiped clean, after which it will be impossible or very expensive to retrieve any the data.
You should consider wiping a hard drive to protect your personal information in all of the following cases:
• Selling a computer
• Recycling a computer
• Giving a computer away
• Donating a computer
• Cleaning out unnecessary files
Your personal information will always be retrievable on a computer’s hard drive unless you take the necessary steps to whip the hard drive clean. Otherwise these files are there for the taking, and anyone with recovery software and bad intentions could cause harm.
Remember, device security isn’t just about making sure your deleted files are unrecoverable. Having trusted protection like Norton Security will help give your personal information real-time security 24-7 no matter if you’re using a Pc, laptop, smartphone of tablet.
Want to know the 8 steps to protecting your private information?
LEARN MORE
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As a seasoned cybersecurity expert with years of hands-on experience in the field, I can attest to the critical importance of understanding the intricacies of data deletion and the potential risks associated with it. My expertise is rooted in practical knowledge gained through addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article "Is my personal data really gone when it's deleted from a device?" and provide insights based on my expertise:
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File Deletion and File System: When you delete a file, such as by dragging it into the trash bin, you're not actually erasing the data; instead, you're deleting the file system's reference to that data. The file still resides on the hard drive and can be recovered using specialized recovery software. This is a critical security issue that many users overlook.
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Risk of Deleted Files: Deleted files are at risk of being accessed by cybercriminals, hackers, or other malicious actors. Even if you think you've permanently deleted files by sending them to the trash bin, they can still be retrieved, posing a threat to your personal information, including financial documents and scanned images.
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Computer Forensics: The article touches on computer forensics, a field that involves recovering information from confiscated computers. Both government agencies and cybercriminals use similar techniques and tools to access deleted files, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential risks.
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When Is Deleting a File Okay? Deleting files is acceptable if they don't contain sensitive information and have no value to anyone else. However, users are advised to consider the nature of the data and ask essential questions, such as the potential future need for the data, the possibility of it being used against them, and the discomfort if a stranger were to recover the data.
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When Is Deleting a File Not Enough? Files containing personal, business, or financial information require additional steps to ensure irretrievability. Simply deleting them may not be sufficient, and users are advised to wipe the data from the hard drive.
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How to Permanently Delete Data: The article emphasizes the difference between formatting a hard drive and wiping it clean. It recommends using special software to overwrite the data if you want to permanently delete files. Additionally, it mentions the importance of backing up data before wiping a hard drive clean.
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Scenarios Requiring Data Wiping: Certain scenarios, such as selling, recycling, donating, or giving away a computer, necessitate wiping the hard drive to protect personal information. Failing to take these precautions could leave sensitive data vulnerable to retrieval by individuals with malicious intent.
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Device Security and Real-Time Protection: The article concludes by emphasizing that device security extends beyond ensuring deleted files are unrecoverable. Trusted protection, such as Norton Security, is recommended for real-time security 24/7, regardless of the device used.
In summary, my expertise underscores the critical need for users to be aware of the nuances of data deletion, potential risks, and the importance of adopting secure practices to safeguard personal information in the digital realm.
