Data breaches and leaks are a common phenomenon in today's digital age. However, people are still confused about how to handle the data stored on their storage devices. What do they do with the data if they don't want it? Do they delete or delete the data?
Deleting and erasing data may seem like similar terms. However, both processes are different and produce different results. Let's discuss the difference between data erasure and data erasure.
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What is data deletion?
Wheneverdelete a file from your PC or laptop, it becomes invisible to you. It is a common belief that when a file or folder is deleted, it is permanently removed from the system. But "deleting" something from the system only deletes the path to the file or folder, making it inaccessible.
There are different types of file systems, such as NTFS (New Technology File System), FAT (File Allocation Table) or APFS (Apple File System), depending on the operating system. The file locations are allocated and stored in accordance with the protocols followed by these systems. When you delete the file, only the file address (pointers) are deleted from the address table.
Although the file is considered completely deleted by the user, anyone can recover the deleted file using adata recovery tool.
What is data deletion?
Data wipe, also called data wipe, is the method of completely deleting data from the storage device. Unlike data wiping, data wiping ensures that no traces of data remain on the storage device.
Data erasing overwrites sectors of the hard drive with random, meaningless data, completely erasing the data previously contained in that sector. There are various data erasure standards such as DoD 5220.22-M, NIST 800-88 Clear, NIST 800-88 Purge, etc. that the company must adhere to depending on the compliance requirements.
If your storage device is compromised in this case, it will not be possible to retrieve this data.
How to delete data?
No one using a computer today is unaware that a file or folder has been deleted. All you have to do is press the Delete (DEL) button after selecting a file, or right-click on the file and select 'Delete'. The file will be transferred to the Recycle Bin or Recycle Bin, depending on whether you are using Windows or macOS. To delete the file without using the Recycle Bin, press the combination of the Shift + DEL keys.
How to delete data?
Erasing data involves finding the file location and deleting it permanently. There are some effective data erasing tools such asBitRaser®-stationswisserwhich helps in safe data deletion. You can also choose the desired sweeping stand that meets your business requirements. Any file, folder or drive can be securely erased, leaving all other data intact.
What type of data should be deleted versus deleted?
Ideally, you want to delete any file that you consider useless. However, to delete data, you will need to purchase third-party software. Therefore, any non-confidential or non-critical file such as duplicate images, old receipts and junk folders can be deleted in the conventional way.
Data erasure is generally used by companies that need to comply with various regulatory requirements and protect confidential business information from compromise. It helps IT professionals redistribute assets among employees by wiping the hard drive. The companies must also delete the data before disposing of the storage devices to ensure complete data protection. The storage unit can hold everything from invoices, bills, sales reports to marketing strategies.
However, deleting data isn't just for companies; Individuals can also delete data on their external hard drives, laptops, etc. when they decide to sell them.
How can I recover the data?
After deleting data
If you plan to recover the data you accidentally deleted, you can use DIY data recovery software. Even if you have permanently deleted a file using the Shift + DEL keys, the data can still be recovered easily.
After deleting data
Clear data completely deletes the data from your storage device. Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered by any software or softwaredata recovery services in the laboratory. Therefore, you should be doubly sure before deleting the data.
Final note
The data must be cleared from a storage device before it is deleted or transferred to another user. But deleting data is not the right way to do this. Deleting files from the system makes them inaccessible to the user. However, the files still remain on the device.
Data erasure is a method that can completely remove data from the storage device. You can try BitRaser® Drive Eraser to erase data from any storage device outside the recovery area.
