file shredders
Paper security machines
File shredders are software programs that permanently delete digital files by overwriting their data multiple times, making recovery impossible.
Unlike standard deletion, which merely removes directory references while leaving data intact, shredding obliterates the actual content: I ran the file shredder before selling my old laptop.
The term borrows from paper shredders, which physically destroy documents.
Rub to clean
- overwriteReplace stored data
- degaussingNeutralizing residual magnetic fields
- sanitizationCleaning to remove pathogens
- utilityFunctional worth or purpose
application · algorithm · pass · unrecoverable · permanent · disk · drive · storage
Cut perpendicular to grain
- paperPressed pulp for writing
- documentsFormal written records
- confettiThrown celebration scraps
- particlesMinute pieces of matter
heavy-duty · automatic · manual · feed · slot · motor · bin · basket
Meant to stay secret
- sensitiveEasily affected emotionally
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- data protectionSecuring sensitive information
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
proprietary · financial records · medical records · compliance · audit · HIPAA · GDPR · chain of custody
Records of account transactions
- credit cardsBorrowed-money payment tools
- tax returnsIncome disclosure forms
- receiptsTransaction documentation
- mailPostal system items
bills · prescriptions · photos · passports · contracts · correspondence · disposal · protection
Reprocessing used materials
- wasteUnwanted discarded material
- bagsFlexible carrying containers
- binsReceptacles for storage
- collectionGathered set of items
bales · pulp · compacting · material · cardboard · CDs · DVDs · hard drives
wipe
Rub to clean
- overwriteReplace stored data
- degaussingNeutralizing residual magnetic fields
- sanitizationCleaning to remove pathogens
utility · application · algorithm · pass · unrecoverable · permanent · disk · drive · storage · digital
cross-cut
Cut perpendicular to grain
particles · heavy-duty · automatic · manual · feed · slot · motor · bin · basket · waste
confidential
Meant to stay secret
- sensitiveEasily affected emotionally
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- data protectionSecuring sensitive information
classified · proprietary · financial records · medical records · compliance · audit · HIPAA · GDPR · chain of custody · on-site
bank statements
Records of account transactions
- credit cardsBorrowed-money payment tools
- tax returnsIncome disclosure forms
- receiptsTransaction documentation
bills · mail · prescriptions · photos · passports · contracts · correspondence · disposal · protection · safeguard
recycling
Reprocessing used materials
collection · bales · pulp · compacting · material · cardboard · CDs · DVDs · hard drives · media
file shreddersdigital archives
Electronically stored historical records
file, files, filed, filing, filer, filers, shredder, shredders, shred