Using Shredder, a Dashboard widget, you can quickly, easily and permanently delete files in OS X.
Install Shredder as you would any other Dashboard widget. Once installed, you’ll need to pick a shredding level – Low, Medium or High (the level can be changed at any time). To change the shredding level, click the small circle.
Shredding Levels
Low: Bypass the trash can. This is a quick way to get rid of those files you know you don’t need, leaving the trash can for those things you just might want to dig out later. It still provides a 1 pass overwrite of the deleted data.
Medium: Secure erase. This mode overwrites your shredded documents with a US Department of Defense compliant 7 pass procedure.
High: Virtual Paper Pulp. Use this setting for only the most sensitive files. Though it might be slow, the 35 pass Gutmann algorithm will ensure that no data from these files is ever recovered.
To shred a document, click and drag a file from the Finder or your Desktop. Then bring up the Dashboard by hitting F12, keeping the document in hand. Drop it on the shredder to permanently erase it from your system.
That’s it – the file is gone – for good!
Wow, this is really cool! Do you know if there’s a similar program for Windows machines? I think the convenience is great, and a plus for the slick interface! Great article, thanks!
Finder -> Secure Empty Trash provides a 7-pass wipe of anything in the Trash. AFAIK, 35-pass isn’t that much more secure.