Data Destruction St Louis | Secure Document Destruction of St. Louis

  • Business Shredding
  • Residential Shredding
  • FAQs
    • Business Document Destruction FAQs
    • Residential Document Destruction FAQs
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

by

Don’t Be Fooled: Learn How to Effectively Erase Computer Files

Authors: Mindi McDowell, Matt Lytle – US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

Before selling or discarding an old computer, or throwing away a disk or CD, you naturally make sure that you’ve copied all of the files you need. You’ve probably also attempted to delete your personal files so that other people aren’t able to access them. However, unless you have taken the proper steps to make sure the hard drive, disk, or CD is erased, people may still be able to resurrect those files.

Where do deleted files go?

When you delete a file, depending on your operating system and your settings, it may be transferred to your trash or recycle bin. This “holding area” essentially protects you from yourself–if you accidentally delete a file, you can easily restore it. However, you may have experienced the panic that results from emptying the trash bin prematurely or having a file seem to disappear on its own. The good news is that even though it may be difficult to locate, the file is probably still somewhere on your machine. The bad news is that even though you think you’ve deleted a file, an attacker or other unauthorized person may be able to retrieve it.

What are the risks?

Think of the information you have saved on your computer. Is there banking or credit card account information? Tax returns? Passwords? Medical or other personal data? Personal photos? Sensitive corporate information? How much would someone be able to find out about you or your company by looking through your computer files? Depending on what kind of information an attacker can find, he or she may be able to use it maliciously. You may become a victim of identity theft. Another possibility is that the information could be used in a social engineering attack. Attackers may use information they find about you or an organization you’re affiliated with to appear to be
legitimate and gain access to sensitive data.

Can you erase files by reformatting?

Reformatting your hard drive or CD may superficially delete the files, but the information is still buried somewhere. Unless those areas of the disk are effectively overwritten with new content, it is still possible that knowledgeable attackers may be able to access the information.

How can you be sure that your information is completely erased?

Some people use extreme measures to make sure their information is destroyed, but these measures can be dangerous and may not be completely successful. Your best option is to investigate software programs and hardware devices that claim to erase your hard drive or CD. Even so, these programs and devices have varying levels of effectiveness. When choosing a software program to perform this task, look for the following characteristics:

  • data is written multiple times – It is important to make sure that not only is the information erased, but new data is written over it. By adding multiple layers of data, the program makes it difficult for an attacker to “peel away” the new layer. Three to seven passes is fairly standard and should be sufficient.
  • use of random data – Using random data instead of easily identifiable patterns makes it harder for attackers to determine the pattern and discover the original information underneath.
    use of zeros in the final layer – Regardless of how many times the program overwrites the data, look for programs that use all zeros in the last layer. This adds an additional level of security. While many of these programs assume that you want to erase an entire disk, there are programs that give you the option to erase and overwrite individual files.
  • An effective way to ruin a CD or DVD is to wrap it in a paper towel and shatter it. However, there are also hardware devices that erase CDs or DVDs by destroying their surface. Some of these devices actually shred the media itself, while others puncture the writable surface with a pattern of holes. If you decide to use one of these devices, compare the various features and prices to determine which option best suits your needs.

Filed Under: Data Destruction

About

John has lived and breathed the document security industry for the last decade.  John prides himself on SDD’s ability to innovate and consistently stay ahead of the curve.  However, his approach toward the business has stayed consistent, delivering incredible customer service and complete document destruction for the St. Louis area.

Other posts you might like...

  • Maintaining Cybersecurity in a New Work-at-Home World
  • 8 Simple Tips to Protect Your Small Businesses Data
  • What to do if You’re a Small or Medium Business and You’ve Been Scammed
  • Help Avoid Identity Theft – Educate Your Employees
  • What Type of Scams Should You Guard Against? Part 1: Business Case Studies

Free Quote

Secure Document Destruction

We specialize in secure onsite document and data destruction across the St. Louis Metro area!

Testimonials

"Thanks, John. Your company is first rate and I have already recommended it to several friends and relatives. Keep up the good work!"
Mike W.
"Thank you John. The service provided by SDD was outstanding. You provided everything that was promised and at the designated time arranged and I might add that your man that handled the job couldn't have been nicer or accommodating.. It is rare to find businesses that follow through with their promises. We appreciated doing business with you and would recommend SDD to anyone needing this service. Thank You!"
Joe B.
Distribution Sales, Leviton Manufacturing
"John did a great job! Friendly, answered all my questions, very helpful. Thanks for providing good service!"
Lana E.
Alton, IL
"We had a problem when our previous shredding company raised their prices sky-high. When we called SDD; John gave me a quote over the phone and came out the next day. They performed the same size job in about half the time, … at a lower price! We would recommend them highly to anyone who needs shredding."
Chris K.
Missouri Insurance Exchange
"It gives our company "peace of mind" to depend on the professional & personable, fast & efficient shredding services of Secure Document Destruction of St. Louis. I would highly recommend SDD STL. The service and price is exceptional!"
Laura K.
La De Da Entertainment
"Secure Document Destruction is AWESOME!! John always takes great care of us, the service is fast and reliable; John, our service/driver is great too. Looking back, I wish I would have switched to SDD sooner! 5 out of 5 stars!"
Tracy T.
Central Bank of St Louis
"Thank you! Everything went very well. Great customer service from beginning to end!! I am sure we will be in touch for future clean up projects."
Amy F.
Oasis Institute
"THANKS!!!! My house feels better with ALL that paper gone! The service was excellent!!! Thanks again!"
Kathy Ames
Desoto, MO
"SSD provided the shredding services for my business when I closed in 2013 and again in 2024 when I called on them to shred the last of the documents that had been held in storage. They were friendly, honest and very helpful throughout the difficult process which was made easy with their professionalism over the years I dealt with them and I highly recommend them."
Bob L.
Rock Hill, MO
"You and John are wonderful people and I thank you so much for working with me. God Bless you both."
Laura E
"Your service/driver guy, JP just came and did our pickup. He is such a nice, friendly person and so are you. It is great doing business with you guys."
Berry Silberberg Stokes PC

Contact Us

Secure Document Destruction of St. Louis
2517 Adie Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
(Appointments only at this location. Please call 314-795-0004)

314-795-0004
Fax: 618-281-7153
In Illinois: 618-281-3245

Email Us

About Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Services

Onsite Shredding Service
Commercial Shredding Service
Residential Shredding Services
Hard Drive Destruction
Data Destruction
Routine Service
One-time or Purge Service
Document Shredding Services
Mobile Shredding Services
Document Destruction Services
Residential Shredding Services
Medical Records Shredding

Categories

STLCHAMBERLOGONAID AAA LogoOFallon-Chamber-Logo

Review Us

  • Business Shredding
  • Residential Shredding
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 · Secure Document Destruction