I am sure, you all must have heard about data leaks and even stressed about it. People often wonder what to do with data they don’t need anymore. Should they delete it or wipe it? Deleting and wiping data sound similar, but they’re very different. Let me explain the differences between the both, so that you understand what happens when you delete or wipe data from your devices like computers or phones.
What is Deleting Data?
When you delete a file from your computer or phone, it seems to disappear. Most people think it’s gone forever, but that’s not true. Deleting a file just hides it. The file is still on your device, but the system removes the “address” that points to it. Think of it like tearing out a page from a book’s table of contents—the page is still in the book, but you can’t find it easily. Your device uses systems like NTFS, FAT, or APFS (depending on whether it’s Windows, an old system, or a Mac) to organize files. Deleting only removes the file’s address, not the file itself. Anyone with special software can recover these “deleted” files.
What is Wiping Data?
Wiping data is like completely erasing it from your device so no one can get it back. Unlike deleting, wiping makes sure no trace of the data is left. It works by overwriting the data with random, meaningless information. For example, it might replace your files with gibberish numbers and letters. There are rules for wiping data, like DoD 5220.22-M or NIST 800-88, that businesses follow to make sure data is gone for good. Once you wipe data, it’s impossible to recover, even with the best tools.
How Do You Delete Data?
Deleting data is super easy. You probably already know how! Just select a file or folder and press the “Delete” key, or right-click and choose “Delete.” The file goes to the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or Trash (on Mac). If you want to skip the Recycle Bin and delete it right away, press “Shift + Delete” together. This makes the file harder to find, but it’s still on your device and can be recovered.
How Do You Wipe Data?
Wiping data is a bit more work. You need special software, like BitRaser Drive Eraser, to do it. These tools find the exact spot where your data is stored and overwrite it so it’s gone forever. You can choose how you want to wipe the data based on your needs. For example, you can wipe just one file, a folder, or even the whole hard drive without touching other data. This is great for making sure sensitive info is completely erased.
When Should You Delete vs. Wipe Data?
Not every file needs to be wiped. Deleting is fine for stuff that’s not important, like duplicate photos, old receipts, or junk files. It’s quick and doesn’t need special software. But wiping is better for sensitive or secret data. Businesses often wipe data to follow government rules or protect private info, like customer details, invoices, or business plans. They wipe hard drives before giving devices to new employees or throwing them away. Regular people can also wipe data, like when selling an old laptop or external drive, to make sure no one gets their personal info.
Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Data?
Yes, you can recover deleted data! If you accidentally delete a file, even with “Shift + Delete,” you can use data recovery software to get it back. These tools find the hidden files still on your device. It’s like finding that missing book page. Recovery is usually easy as long as the data hasn’t been overwritten by new files.
Is It Possible to Recover Wiped Data?
No, you can’t recover wiped data. Once you wipe a file or drive, it’s gone for good. No software or expert can bring it back. That’s why you need to be 100% sure before wiping anything. Double-check that you don’t need the data, because there’s no going back.
Tips to Stay Safe
If you just need to clear out clutter, deleting is fine for non-important files. But for anything sensitive, like work documents or personal info, use a wiping tool. Before selling or throwing out a device, always wipe it to protect your privacy. If you accidentally delete something important, try recovery software right away, but don’t save new files, as they might overwrite the deleted ones.
Conclusion
Deleting and wiping are both ways to remove data, but they’re not the same. Deleting hides files, but they can still be found. Wiping destroys them completely. Choose the right method based on what you’re removing and how sensitive it is. By understanding these differences, you can keep your data safe and avoid problems down the road.
