[ Thanks to steve
hill for this link. ]
“After you’ve installed the right operating
system—GNU/Linux, of course—secure browsers, rootkit
and virus scanners, you might just start to feel secure–and smug.
Don’t be. Until you have understood and mastered some of
these GNU core utilities to securely delete, shred and wipe files,
directories, partitions and whole disks you’re not in the clear.
Why not?“In the last year or so the British press has been full of
stories about Government departments and individual employees who
have lost laptops and flash sticks. Lost in the post, left on train
seats, you name it. Not password protected, not encrypted. Nothing,
and you can bet they were all running Windows. A wet dream for
anyone trading in identity theft or blackmail. This cavalier
approach to computer security should come as no surprise. Most
people just want to switch computers them on and use them. Security
is usually an afterthought—if at all.“”I’m using GNU/Linux mate, I’m alright”, you say smugly.
Well, you’re certainly in a better place than the average
non-professional Windows user, that’s for sure, but you shouldn’t
be too complacent. We all know about deleting files, directories or
dragging them to the trash can/recycle bin. Gone? Think again. That
is only the beginning. If you knew what was really going you might
not sleep so well. I will look at what is going on and how to
really destroy any offending data from the humblest file to a whole
hard disk.”