Difference between Data Deletion and Data Erasure
After deleting a file if you think that the file is permanently removed from your system, then you’re mistaken. The deleted file still remains on your system, until it is overwritten. Anyone can easily recover such deleted files with the help of a data recovery tool.
On the other hand, data erasure is a process to permanently remove files from your system. However, most people associate these terms with “removing the data permanently”. But these terms are different from each other fundamentally. In this article, we will discuss the terms — data deletion and data erasure in detail. We will also see the differences between erase and delete.
Data Deletion
When you simply delete a file, it goes to the Recycle Bin (on Windows system) or the Trash folder (on Mac). Even if you empty the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, the file still remains on the storage drive. It means that when you delete the file, it only removes the pointer to that file. It is not completely removed or erased from the hard drive. Such deleted files occupy some space, known as free space, till the time new data overwrites this space. So, it is possible to recover the deleted files.
Data Erasure
Data erasure is a process to permanently wipe the data using a specialized data/file eraser tool. The tool erases the data by overwriting it so that no one can recover it. When the data is erased, it is permanently deleted/removed from a hard drive or the storage media.
Data erasure is one of the safest and most efficient ways to erase sensitive and confidential data to make it irrecoverable. It is employed when you no longer need the data or want to repurpose, recycle, or discard your system. It ensures that no unauthorized individual can access your data, preventing data breaches and data misuse.
Data Deletion vs Data Erasure
The following table presents the differences between data deletion and data erasure:
How to Erase Data Permanently?
To erase the data/files permanently, you can use a powerful, DIY file eraser software, such as BitRaser File Eraser. The software can effectively erase files and folders, system traces, internet browsing history, etc. from the system or any other storage drive. It also allows maintaining data erasure reports that can help in meeting statutory and regulatory compliance needs for security and privacy. This software is available for both Mac and Windows systems.
It is quite convenient to use this software for permanently wiping sensitive files. You just need to follow the following simple steps to erase the files on a Mac system:
· First, visit the official product page to purchase the license of the software.
· Then, install the software (from the link received in your email).
· Enter the activation key to activate the software.
· Launch the software.
· You’ll see the ‘Select What To Erase’ screen with different options to choose from — Files & Folders, Unused Space, and Traces.
· Select the desired option and click Next.
· You can also select the ‘Search and Erase’ option to search and erase particular files (if you know the file name and specific location).
· Choose the files that you want to erase. Then, click Erase.
· A message window will appear. Click on ‘Confirm Erase’.
· Once done, you will see the ‘Erasure completed’ message on the screen.
The files that you’ve selected will be permanently deleted.
The Bottom Line
Data deletion and data erasure are two completely different terms. The data that is deleted can be retrieved using data recovery software whereas it is not possible in the case of data erasure.
So, when you decide to resell, donate, or lend your system to someone, don’t just delete the important files but permanently erase them from the system using powerful data eraser software, such as BitRaser File Eraser for Mac. It is the most effective and fool-proof way of erasing data permanently.
