Data Shredder
Data Shredder (also known as CBL Data Shredder) is a data destruction utility designed to securely erase a hard disk or digital storage device, completely removing the data and making it unrecoverable. The software utilizes an overwrite method of destroying data rather than other means of data destruction (such as: degaussing, physical destruction). Founded and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, the company has met international demand for this utility by releasing versions in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Demand over the years leading up to its initial release stemmed from increased threats to data security and media coverage increasing awareness in the general public.
Wiping standards
Windows Version |
DOS Version |
Linux EDition |
|
|---|---|---|---|
United States Department Of DeFence 5220.22-M National Industrial Security Standard |
Yes |
Yes |
Coming Soon |
Germany BSI Verschlusssachen-IT-Richtlinien (VSITR) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bruce Schneier’s Algorithm |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Peter Gutmann’s Algorithm |
Yes |
Yes |
|
RCMP DSX Method |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Custom Method (zeroes, ones, random, number of passes) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
International Data Destruction and Demand
Widespread need for secure data destruction meant that language-variants of the program needed to be developed to support demand. Coverage of the product in countries like Germany and Singapore lead to excessive downloading and general popularity. PC Magazine included Data Shredder as one of its must-have security tools. A large increase in electronic waste due to high quanitites of old computers being thrown out as garbage in dumps and landfills made security of data stored on hard drives a bigger concern of the general public. Data destruction became a part of regular service offerings from the company as press coverage highlighted the step in the data recovery process.
See also
- Data remanence
- Computer recycling