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DESCRIPTION

Permanent Eraser... When you normally delete your files in Mac OS X, the operating system is only forgetting where those particular files are placed, while the data still physically remains on the drive. Beginning with Mac OS 10.3, Apple enhanced its security by introducing the Secure Empty Trash feature, which follows the U.S. DoD pattern of overwriting data seven times.

Permanent Eraser provides an even stronger level of security by implementing the Gutmann Method. This utility overwrites your data thirty-five times, scrambles the original file name, and truncates the file size to nothing before Permanent Eraser finally unlinks it from the system. Once your data has been erased, it can no longer be read through traditional means.

Permanent Eraser is free of charge, and the source code is also provided for educational purposes.

  • Implements the Gutmann Method via srm to remove files
  • Erases the files in your Trash
  • Erases CD-RWs and DVD-RWs
  • Erases files dropped on the application icon
  • Provides a warning dialog before files are erased (Press the Option key to bypass this warning).
  • Universal Binary
  • Localized for English, German, French, Dutch, Swedish, and Traditional Chinese
  • Source code is available
  • It's free!
WHAT'S NEW
Version 2.3.3:
  • Corrected a bug where the program would stall after deleting 250 files.
  • Tested and verified with Leopard.
  • Updated application icon for Leopard.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.2 or later.


SCREENSHOT

Developer:Edenwaith
Downloads:14,577
  - Version d/l:2,335
Utilities:Security
License:Free
Date:30 Dec 2007
Platform:PPC/Intel
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Permanent Eraser User Reviews (55 posts)Write A Review
Feb 10 2008
*****

GPSTEIN1  GREAT !!

Easy, reliable.   (Version 2.3.3)

[ Reply ]
Jun 1 2007

BELINE  Ok, what is this "Once your data has been erased, it can no longer be read through traditional means" business?

I don't think people interested in using a program like this are concerned with "traditional means." I think it is more likely they are interested in their data being unreadable by "any means."

You don't do this kid of erase to prevent that guy on ebay from reading your homework, you do a simple format to zero for that. You use software like this to keep the law at bay.

Where can I find a program like that?  (Version 2.3.2)

[ 11 Replies - Reply ]
Jun 1 2007

CHRIS HABIG  How is this different from Secure Erase in the Finder?  (Version 2.3.2)

[ 1 Reply - Reply ]
Apr 14 2007

ROBK  This comment is no longer relevant. From the Developer's Web Site:

"Permanent Eraser 2.2.3 introduced a feature where a dialog box would appear once the application had launched. This warning gives the user the option to either quit or continue with the program. To prevent this warning from appearing, hold down the Option key when launching Permanent Eraser. "  (Version 2.3.1)

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