how to permanently remove files from mac

Permanently Removing Files from Your Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to securely deleting data from your Mac, there are several methods you can use to ensure that the files are irretrievable. However, before we dive into these methods, let's first clarify that solid-state drives (SSDs) cannot be securely erased. While they can be overwritten, this process is not foolproof and does not render the deleted data completely secure.

The National Security Agency (NSA) recommends a more drastic approach: turning the files into fine powder! While this may seem extreme, it emphasizes the importance of thoroughly deleting sensitive information from your Mac.

One method of securely deleting files is to use Secure Empty Trash. This feature, which was originally developed by the Department of Defense, overwrites the area where the file was located seven times before erasing it. However, this process only works on files that are currently in the Trash folder and does not extend to cached or other areas.

So, if you're looking to permanently remove files from your Mac, can you be certain that they will remain unrecoverable? In most cases, the answer is yes. The Secure Empty Trash feature renders deleted files irretrievable unless someone has access to specialized software or hardware designed for data recovery.

It's also important to note that deleted files are not automatically erased from Time Machine backups. If you're concerned about preserving your privacy and security, it's essential to regularly clean up your backup drives to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised.

When deleting files from your Mac, you may encounter issues with locked files that cannot be emptied. In these cases, holding down the Option key while emptying the Trash can help resolve the issue.

In some situations, you may need to determine where a file was downloaded to on your hard drive. If this is the case, you can use the 'Get Info' feature to view the URL from which the file was downloaded and the destination folder it was saved in.

To permanently erase files from your Mac using Secure Empty Trash, follow these steps:

1. Open the Finder menu.

2. Select 'Secure Empty Trash' from the drop-down menu.

3. Confirm that you want to securely erase all deleted files.

By following these methods, you can ensure that deleted files are thoroughly erased and cannot be recovered. Remember to regularly clean up your backup drives and take steps to protect your privacy and security when deleting sensitive information from your Mac.

How to permanently remove files from mac