Note: To set up FileVault, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Similar to BitLocker, it helps prevent unauthorized access to your data and adds an extra layer of security in case your computer is stolen or lost. Macs have their own built-in disk-encrypting tool, too, called FileVault.

Users of Home versions of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 can use the free and open-source encryption tool VeraCrypt. BitLocker is available to anyone with a machine running Windows Vista or 7 Ultimate, Windows Vista or 7 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, or Windows 10 Pro. PC users can enable Windows’ built-in encryption tool BitLocker. With encryption, your data will be converted into an unreadable code that can only be deciphered with a specific key or password. Hard drive encryptionĪn extra layer of security you can employ is disk encryption. In case you didn’t know, the popular cross-platform tool CCleaner for PCs and Macs not only does automatic clean-up of your browser cookies, trackers, internet history, download history, cache and even individual session activity it also has an option for Secure Deletion of files. However, it does cost $49.99 to download. To shred files you’d like to remove from Macs, you’ll need to use a shredding app like High Secure Shredder for Mac. When macOS Sierra was released, Apple removed the secure delete option for both the Trash Can and the Terminal. It “shreds” files by overwriting the data with zeros before deleting, making recovery impossible. You can even schedule deletions to happen automatically.īlank and Secure is a portable deletion tool that you can store on a USB stick. It has a simple, clean interface, and can permanently erase data from any drive that works with Windows.

You get can rid of that personal data by using software tools like Eraser or Blank and Secure for Windows.Įraser, in particular, has a lot of options for deleting data. If you want to get serious about your personal security, you need to erase sensitive data for good. Who wants that? Erasing your data forever You could be turning over your entire digital life to a stranger. And just think about that old computer you’re going to sell on eBay.

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