How To Secure Erase USB Data

[phil2415]

"You can see the URL address right here..." No, you can't, the resolution isn't high enough.

[grimmmm2]

digitalstorm stfu this was a very helpful video to me and im 14

[WhoDatSniping]

modio

[jonmcm106]

Deleted files on flash drives can be recovered!!

However, using the gutmann method on a flash device is pointless. This method was designed for magnetic media. Because of the way flash drives work, 1 pass of zeroes or random data is enough. Using the gutmann on flash drives only wastes time and write cycles. ONE PASS IS ENOUGH

I hope this clarifies your questions.

[Digitalstorm007]

Pointless to be honest. Deleting the files on a USB drive is typically secure enough. The only reason you would need to do this, is if you have extremely sensitive data on your USB Flash drive.

[FreeCompConsultant]

Pointless? You obviously do not live in a corporate world. Nor do you read Bruce Schneier, a world renowned security expert.

People have lost their jobs, companies have been sued over data found on USB drives not securely erased.

Maybe pointless for you, but not for everyone.

[Digitalstorm007]

It IS pointless unless it is data that contains private information. Read the whole comment next time please.

[FreeCompConsultant]

I did read the whole comment; although some will read only your first sentence which has no qualifiers attached.

Data does NOT have to be EXTREMELY sensitive to be a problem, and that is not the ONLY reason.

Additionally, some people do not know what is and is not sensitive enough to be a potential problem.

This video simply shows those who want to do it, how to do it.

[Digitalstorm007]

If the person is storing data on a USB drive and does not know what is sensitive, do you really think they would be looking at your video on how to delete said data?

[FreeCompConsultant]

Happens all the time, you should see the comments and emails I get.

Why do you think I do the videos?

Sometimes I do them for my own clients who have been TOLD to do something and just need to be shown how.

[woollerland]

@FreeCompConsultant i'm probabley out of my depth, but won't this also speed up your USB, i mean speed up the USb when the drive has suffered write deteriation and this programme makes all the blocks clean.

[FreeCompConsultant]

@woollerland Perhaps in theory, but I bet you wouldn't notice it.

[liltltpwnage]

i have a cd to put some songs and a microsoft page on it but i missed and put wrong type of songs and the files cant be deleted what do i do?

[FreeCompConsultant]

I have a support forum at my website where I help people with computer problems.

[CyberneticMonkey]

Hey thanks for the help! Except it's not working for me.

When I select "erase" for a selected file on my flash drive, the erasing report says "The media is write protected." Can you explain what that means? Or what I can do to fix this? Thanks...

[seesaw]

What is the web site address? I cannot even see it in YouTube HQ video mode on here!

[maxtornogood]

I got that program and it's very neat. Anything I can get for free is so worth it. Good stuff doesn't always have to have a price tag :-D

As far as the erase methods go 35 passes would be overkill for the majority of us and it would shorten a flash drive's life if you used Gutmann on it constantly. I like to use a single Psuedorandom pass ;)

[ferret6677]

When I buy a new usb stick what is the best way to wipe it clean and get rid of all the stuff on it before first use?

[FreeCompConsultant]

If you are sure you don't want it, why not use eraser?

[fraggenaught]

You just earned a new subscriber :)

[eramthgiNruoY]

The video is blurry - can't really read anything.

Good info though.

[FreeCompConsultant]

the blurriness is to make it more secure (Just kidding!).

YouTube only allowed 320x240 at the time; my newer videos are using 640x480

thanks

[hardaypee]

this sooooo helped me, thanks a bunch! :]

[iVideoPSP]

Not bad. I'm going to try it...