A List of Evidence Eliminators
Data can remain on a hard drive even if that information was never saved or was deleted. Computers do not actually fully remove a file until the computer overwrites it with new data. Computers also store unsaved data in temporary folders. This data can be captured by computer forensics specialists and imaged. Certain types of data can be used in a criminal case.
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Evidence Eliminator
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Evidence Eliminator is a program designed to destroy data so that the data cannot be retrieved by forensic methods. This program is not as easy to use as other data elimination programs, however, it is reported to be very easy to install. The program notifies users before deleting large numbers of files so that no important files are deleted. The program also has a special feature called magnetic resonance that alters files in such a way that they cannot be recovered using electron microscopes. The program has a large variety of options and a help section.
File Shredder
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For those who find Evidence Eliminator to be too difficult to use, File Shredder has an easier interface. However, while this program will make files difficult to recover, advanced forensic techniques can still recover files deleted by the File Shredder. This program also does not delete the recycling bin or temporary files.
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Eraser
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Eraser is a more effective file deletion program than File Shredder, but less effective than Evidence Eliminator. This program uses four approved government algorithms for file deletion. It is mostly easy to use, and users can right-click files in their browser and shred them directly from there, allowing files to be shredded without even opening the program.
Window Washer
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Window Washer is an easy-to-install and -use program that has almost all of the features of Evidence Eliminator and has extra plug-ins that give the program more features. However, there is no magnetic resonance feature.
TrueCrypt
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Those who want to avoid having their data read or stolen by thieves can use data encryption software. This type of software encrypts data using 11 different algorithms, making the encrypted data far more difficult to decode, giving users the maximum privacy.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tiago Ribeiro
