Keeping your data secure is a worry for many computer users and companies alike. Today people have to remember many passwords, user names and PIN numbers easily running into double figures.

Strong file encryption programs exist using well known algorithms such as DES, IDEA, Blowfish, RSA etc. However, as these algorithms are well known to people intent on un-encrypting your data these people will have spent much time and effort working out how to break these.

When you send an item to the recycle bin and then empty the bin Windows doesn't actually delete the file from the hard drive it just removes the "pointer" on the hard drive which tells Windows there is a file there.

This leaves the file intact on the hard drive and allows future "File Save" operations to just write over it. If this concerns you then file wiping is one solution. However despite claims of some software companies the only way to ensure a file can not be recovered is to remove the hard drive from the computer - set fire to it and hit it with a sledge hammer until you are sure the disk surface is so damaged it can never be read again.

In the absence of such extreme measures file shredding using software such as "Norton WipeFile" Or Even Databiz's own file wiper/shreder etc. is one solution. One accepted method of file wiping / shredding is as follows:

Write data over each sector of the disk multiple times such as "zeros" on the first pass followed by "ones" on the second pass. Do this over 7 times then write random data over the whole thing again then actually delete the file.

This is all well and good but Programs such as "Microsoft Word" create a back up copy of your file when you open a document. the reason it does this is for "Speed" and "Data Security" but this means that there are copies of your document on your hard drive that have not been wiped / shredded ...just deleted.

So if you want a document that contains your passwords or PIN Numbers - Not a good idea anyway - don't create it in Word. Use something like Notepad or other text editor that doesn't create back up copies. Or learn where these back up copies are kept and Wipe / Shred them also - easier said than done Microsoft say these files are hidden and where they are kept is a secret.

If you are running Google Desktop not only does it cache your files even after you delete them it keeps a record of the file in its internal index. All good things to do in case you accidentally delete that important presentation or essay that you are working on but not very handy if its your password document or letter to a secret love.

Outlook / Outlook Express doesn't delete your emails when you empty the deleted items folder all the emails are still on the hard drive they are just marked as deleted so don't show up in the deleted items folder. They are only deleted when Outlook compacts the folder. There are web conspiracy theories that claim there is a second "ghost" folder which holds all the emails as well - I can not say if this is true or not.

Therefore, file deletion / shredding / wiping appears to be only a myth - Something to aspire to rather than something you can achieve. I am sure that pointing a file shredding program such as the one we wrote or any of the other available file shredders does the job as best it can on that specific file on your hard drive but whether that means there is no trace left on your system is subject to debate.

Never-the-less its worth deleting / shredding files to hide them from casual or even more determined eyes.