file shredder
Paper security machine
A file shredder is software that permanently deletes digital files by overwriting the data multiple times, making recovery impossible.
Unlike regular deletion, which merely removes a file's reference in the system while leaving the data intact, shredding obliterates the underlying information: I ran the file shredder before selling my laptop.
The term borrows from physical paper shredders.
Replace stored data
- degaussingNeutralizing residual magnetic fields
- unrecoverableImpossible to regain
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- identity theft preventionSafeguarding against personal impersonation
- dumpster divingSalvaging from discarded refuse
- corporate espionageTheft of proprietary business information
compliance · audit trail · chain of custody · high-security · tamper-proof · reconstruction
Perpendicular timber cut
- industrialOf factories and production
- granulatorDevice making small particles
- disintegratorDevice that breaks matter apart
- crusherDevice reducing solids smaller
pulverizer · hammermill · bin · duty cycle · waste basket · oil · lubricant · motor
Pressed pulp for writing
- cardboardRigid paper for containers
- staplesSmall metal paper-binders
- paper clipsBent wire document fasteners
- credit cardsBorrowed-money payment tools
CDs · DVDs · optical discs · hard drives · floppy disks · junk mail · envelopes · folders
Individual identifying details
- financial recordsDocumented fiscal transactions
- bank statementsRecords of account transactions
- medical recordsDocumented patient health history
- credit cardsBorrowed-money payment tools
receipts · invoices · correspondence · contracts · passports · photographs · letters · bills
overwrite
Replace stored data
- degaussingNeutralizing residual magnetic fields
- unrecoverableImpossible to regain
confidential
Meant to stay secret
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- identity theft preventionSafeguarding against personal impersonation
- dumpster divingSalvaging from discarded refuse
corporate espionage · compliance · audit trail · chain of custody · high-security · tamper-proof · reconstruction
crosscut
Perpendicular timber cut
- industrialOf factories and production
- granulatorDevice making small particles
- disintegratorDevice that breaks matter apart
crusher · pulverizer · hammermill · bin · duty cycle · waste basket · oil · lubricant · motor
paper
Pressed pulp for writing
- cardboardRigid paper for containers
- staplesSmall metal paper-binders
- paper clipsBent wire document fasteners
credit cards · CDs · DVDs · optical discs · hard drives · floppy disks · junk mail · envelopes · folders · receipts
personal data
Individual identifying details
- financial recordsDocumented fiscal transactions
- bank statementsRecords of account transactions
- medical recordsDocumented patient health history
credit cards · receipts · invoices · correspondence · contracts · passports · photographs · letters · bills · junk mail
- security softwareantivirus, antimalware, firewall, VPN, malware scanner
- disk utilitiesdisk utility, disk management, disk cleanup, parted, defragmenter
- system utilitiesdisk cleanup, defragmenter, disk utility, control panel, optimizer