When you delete files on traditional internal hard disk drives (HDDs), the data is not actually removed. Simply “deleting” a file does not erase it Deleting files on HDDs Tips to keep external storage more secure.Popular tools and methods to securely erase external storage devices.Choosing an app to securely erase external storage devices.Securely erasing external storage devices using an app.

Simply “deleting” a file does not erase it.Note that many of the apps we’ll discuss are for use alongside desktop operating systems, MacOS, and Windows, but there are actually some options available for mobile Android users too.

Read on to find out more about why you might need to wipe your device and how to do it, including helpful tools suitable for various operating systems. We’ve covered securely erasing internal memory devices in-depth before, but in this post, we’ll be delving into how to tackle external devices. It’s a good idea to make sure you know how to securely erase external devices, like: Just as devices like your computer and phone are subject to data theft, so are your external storage devices. In any of these cases, you might need to ensure that sensitive data is completely wiped and cannot be recovered by any means. Need to free up space on an external storage device, or you want to get rid of some sensitive information? Perhaps you’re disposing of a device, selling it, or simply loaning it out.

Mac disk utility secure erase freezes