Anyone know a good file shredder for mac for permanent data deletion?

I faced the same issue when I had to wipe a Mac, and I used Dr.Wiper. It securely deleted all files, ensuring nothing could be recovered, and it's a great option for Mac too!

I followed this tutorial: (workes great!)

 https://www.anywinhowtos.com/permanently-delete-files-on-mac

If you're looking to permanently delete files on a Mac without third-party tools, you can use the built-in Secure Empty Trash feature. However, it's worth noting that Apple removed the "Secure Empty Trash" option in macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) and later.

In newer macOS versions, here’s what you can do:

1. Erase Free Space:
2. Open Disk Utility → Select the Mac's main drive → Click Erase → Choose Security Options.
3. Drag the slider to the most secure option (which overwrites the space), then confirm and erase free space.
4. FileVault: For added security, ensure that FileVault is enabled. It encrypts your disk, and even if data is deleted, it’s nearly impossible to recover without the encryption key.

This method ensures that files are not recoverable by conventional data recovery tools.

Alright, so you’re thinking about just erasing your Mac’s drive using the built-in Disk Utility method instead of grabbing a dedicated file shredder for Mac. Even if you erase the drive and choose multiple overwrites, some experts say that the built-in tools might not be as foolproof as specialized shredders, especially if someone’s super tech-savvy or using advanced recovery tools. For most casual needs, it’s probably fine, but if you’re dealing with super-secret info, a dedicated shredder could be safer.

Built-in tools usually give you a few options, like 3-pass or 7-pass overwrites, but advanced shredders often offer more customizable or more thorough methods, like random data or cryptographic wiping.

If you want to really “burn” data beyond recovery, some file shredder for Mac do multiple passes and offer verification. Doing this manually via Disk Utility with security options can take longer and might not be as thorough if not configured properly. Dedicated shredder apps sometimes include checks to confirm data was wiped securely. When you just erase via Disk Utility, you’re relying on macOS’s methods, which are generally good but not necessarily foolproof against the most advanced recovery methods.

The built-in command line tool has a native function (secureErase) to let you delete files permanently from a Mac.

secureErase is a disk utility command in macOS Terminal for securely erasing hard disks or partitions, ensuring that files cannot be recovered by overwriting data multiple times (optionally 1, 3 or 7 times).The command supports two modes: disk (erases the entire disk) and freespace (overwrites only unused space), and is available for both mechanical and solid-state drives (SSDs). For SSDs, although physical overwriting may be limited by wear leveling, it can still effectively protect data when combined with FileVault encryption key destruction.

Note: The operation is irreversible and time-consuming, and requires a power connection.

Enter the following command to view the disk identifier. Locate the primary disk identification (e.g., /dev/disk2).

diskutil list

Use the secure erase command (replace diskX with the actual identification):

diskutil secureErase freespace 0 /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD

0 means single overwrite, replace with 1 (3 times), 2 (7 times). This operation overwrites free space only, make sure the drive is formatted first.

If feel it too complicated, then you can use the best file shredder for Mac for completely data deletion.

When you delete files normally on a Mac (like moving them to Trash and emptying it), the data isn't really gone right away. Instead, the system just removes the pointers to those files, marking that space as available for new data. Until that space gets overwritten, someone with the right tools could potentially recover your deleted files.

A file shredder for Mac can overwrites the data multiple times, making recovery practically impossible. This is especially crucial if you're dealing with sensitive or private info—like financial details, personal photos, or confidential work files. Knowing your deleted data can't be recovered gives you confidence that your information stays private, even if someone tries to use data recovery software. If you're disposing of data that could compromise your privacy or violate regulations, shredding ensures it's truly gone.

Boot into macOS Recovery and permanently erase the drive without any file shredder software on your Mac. Here is how to do that:

1. After turning off your phone, press the power button to turn it on and immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) + R key combination.

2. When you see the Apple logo or spinning globe (for networked recovery), release the key and wait to enter the Recovery Mode screen.

3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Disk Utility” > click on “Continue”.

4. Select the target hard disk in the left sidebar.

5. Click the “Erase” button at the top and set the following parameters, including name, format and partition table.

6. Click “Security Options” and drag the slider to select the number of overwrites. 3~7 overwrites is the safest and most compliant with security standards for sensitive data.

7. Return to the Recovery Mode main menu and select “Reinstall macOS”.

8. Follow the prompts to install a pristine system with using any file shredder app for Mac. When finished, your Mac will enter the initialization screen, at which point it can be securely transferred to the buyer.

Notes

Time Cost: Securely erasing a 500GB SSD takes approximately 1 to 3 hours (7 overwrites may take longer).

Encrypt the drive: If FileVault is enabled, direct formatting is sufficient (data cannot be decrypted after key destruction).

T2 Chip/Apple Silicon: These models have built-in encryption and do not need to be overwritten multiple times after erasure (key destruction invalidates the data).

BleachBit is a popular open-source file shredder for Mac. However, its capabilities on Mac are somewhat limited compared to its features on other platforms.

Pros:
Free and open-source: No cost involved.
File cleaning and privacy features: It can delete cache, cookies, logs, and other junk files.
Secure deletion: Supports shredding files with multiple passes, which can make data difficult to recover.

Cons:
Limited macOS support: BleachBit's macOS version is less mature and may not have all features available on Windows/Linux.
Interface and usability: Might not be as user-friendly or powerful for secure deletion as dedicated file shredder for Mac.
Potential Compatibility Issues: Some features may not work properly on the latest macOS versions due to system security restrictions.

Recommendations:
If your primary goal is permanent deletion of specific files, BleachBit can be used to securely delete files by selecting them and choosing the shred option.
For wiping entire drives or partitions, BleachBit is less suitable; specialized disk wiping tools are recommended.

Completely wiping the hard disk in macOS recovery mode is done by using Disk Utility or terminal commands. Physically overwrite and reconstruct the hard disk to ensure that the original data cannot be recovered by software. Most importantly, no file shredder software for Mac needed for this method!

Normal Deletion vs Secure Erase

Normal Deletion: Deletes only the file index (marking the space as writable), the actual data still exists on the hard disk, and can be retrieved by scanning the magnetic tracks with recovery tools.
Secure Erase: Writes random data through multiple overwrites (e.g., all zeros, all ones, or other patterns), destroying magnetic traces of the original data, and is compliant with military/financial-grade security standards (e.g., DoD 5220.22-M).

Solid State Drives (SSD) Specificity

SSDs may be physically dispersed due to wear-leveling mechanisms, but macOS secure erase triggers the controller to perform TRIM + encryption key destruction (if FileVault is enabled). (if FileVault is enabled), making it impossible to decrypt the data.

Advantages of Recovery Mode

Operate independently of the system environment to avoid incomplete erasure due to system file occupation.

Direct access to the bottom layer of the disk, supports full disk coverage (including hidden partitions).

You don't need any file shredder software for Mac if you want to try this approach.

If you're looking for a reliable file shredder for Mac to permanently delete files on a Mac,here are some options you can consider:

1. Using Built-in macOS Secure Empty Trash (older versions)

Note: This feature was available in older macOS versions (up to macOS Mavericks), but Apple removed it in newer versions.
If you're on an older system, you can use "Secure Empty Trash" by right-clicking the Trash icon and selecting it.

2. Using Terminal with rm and srm commands

macOS used to include srm (secure remove) for secure deletion, but it has been deprecated.
For modern macOS versions, you can use the rm command, but it does not securely overwrite data by default.

3. Using Disk Utility for wiping free space

You can erase free disk space to overwrite deleted files:
Open Disk Utility → select your drive → click Erase or use Erase Free Space (if available).
Note: This process can be time-consuming and might not be as thorough as dedicated shredding tools.

What is the best file shredder for Mac? BleachBit are good options for Mac. They securely overwrite files making recovery virtually impossible.