Joe2fromNewEng
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Is the App, "Permanent Eraser" safe to use on OSX?

Since OSX 10.11.6 does not have the Secure Empty Trash option, is it safe to use the App: Permanent Eraser to delete files? I am concerned that it may damage other files on my MBP.

Thank you,

Joe

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Sep 20, 2016 10:03 PM

by Kappy,Solvedanswer
Kappy Kappy
Level 10 (271,323 points)
Desktops
A:

Like any encryption system including secure erase there are risks. Learn how it’s used to avoid problems. Then you won't get locked out of the computer unless you forget the password.

 

You cannot use FileVault on individual files. For that you need third-party software such as 1Password. You certainly don't need secure erase to delete an encrypted disk image.

 

FileVault is as or more secure than an encrypted disk image.

Posted on Sep 21, 2016 8:24 AM

Close
Joe2fromNewEng

Q: Is the App, "Permanent Eraser" safe to use on OSX?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Sep 20, 2016 10:55 PM in response to Joe2fromNewEng
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 20, 2016 10:55 PM in response to Joe2fromNewEng

    Secure Erase is not needed if you use FileVault to encrypt the drive. Further, don't use any secure erase fix on an SSD.

  • by Joe2fromNewEng,

    Joe2fromNewEng Joe2fromNewEng Sep 20, 2016 11:29 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 20, 2016 11:29 PM in response to Kappy

    Thank you for your reply, Kappy.

     

    I am concerned that if I use FileVault to encrypt my HD: one day it will lock me out of my computer. Possible?

    I do not have an SSD. How likely will Secure Erase mess up my HD?

     

    Currently, I keep sensitive files in an encrypted disk image and instead of putting the outdated ones into the El Capitan trash bin, I've just been leaving them in the disk image. I was looking for a way to securely delete them without messing up any of my other files. I am trying to find out if there is a reliable app to do this.

     

    Say, is it possible to use FileVault on selected files? It would probably be faster than creating a disk image.

    Is Filevault as secure as an encrypted disk image?

     

    Thanks, again,

    Joe

  • by Kappy,Solvedanswer

    Kappy Kappy Sep 21, 2016 8:24 AM in response to Joe2fromNewEng
    Level 10 (271,323 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 21, 2016 8:24 AM in response to Joe2fromNewEng

    Like any encryption system including secure erase there are risks. Learn how it’s used to avoid problems. Then you won't get locked out of the computer unless you forget the password.

     

    You cannot use FileVault on individual files. For that you need third-party software such as 1Password. You certainly don't need secure erase to delete an encrypted disk image.

     

    FileVault is as or more secure than an encrypted disk image.

  • by Joe2fromNewEng,

    Joe2fromNewEng Joe2fromNewEng Sep 21, 2016 8:28 AM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 21, 2016 8:28 AM in response to Kappy

    Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

    Best regards,

    joe