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Anyone know a good file shredder for mac for permanent data deletion?
I have been a long time Windows users and my mom asks me if I could help permanently delete files from her MacBook Pro before sold out to someone else. I know a couple of good file shredder app for W...
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:
- Erase Free Space:
- Open Disk Utility → Select the Mac's main drive → Click Erase → Choose Security Options.
- Drag the slider to the most secure option (which overwrites the space), then confirm and erase free space.
- 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.