Any time a hard drive leaves your possession, whether you're recycling, reselling, or returning it to the manufacturer, you should securely delete the data it contains. In this week's TR Dojo episode, I show how to use Darik's Boot And Nuke (DBAN) hard disk wiping utility. It's recommended by lots of TechRepublic members, and best of all, it's free.
For those who prefer text to video, you can click the Transcript link that appears below the video player window or check out Rick Vanover's slideshow, "How to wipe a hard disk with DBAN."
I mention the following resources during the episode:
- Darik's Boot And Nuke (DBAN) website
- DBAN Software Methodology and Implementation Questions
- DBAN Documentation
- Active@ KillDisk
- PC INSPECTOR e-maxx
- Secure Erase from CMRR
- Paragon Disk Wiper
- East-Tec DisposeSecure
You can also sign up to receive the latest TR Dojo lessons through one or more of the following methods:
Disclosure
Bill Detwiler has nothing to disclose. He doesn't hold investments in the technology companies he covers.
Full Bio
Bill Detwiler is Managing Editor of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop support specialist in the social research and energy industries. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Louisville, where he has also lectured on computer crime and crime prevention.