Secure data deletion.

Created: 14 Jan 2013 | 6 comments

Mr.Proper

Hello, lovely folks.

Recently I’ve started using Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 in my environment and, truth be told, my skills with it leaves much to be desired at the moment. So, I’d be glad if someone can shed a light on the following:

I’m wondering whether this piece of software is capable of secure data deletion. By “secure data deletion” I mean functionality which is responsible for secure destruction of data on an entire hard disk drive, individual partitions, individual files, etc. We all know that via utilizing specialized equipment, it is possible to recover even repeatedly overwritten information. I’m willing to avoid such a situation, especially with confidential data.

So, can anybody clarify these moments for me? Or is there an additional tool provided by Symantec which is likely to meet my expectations?

Kindly regards,

Alexei.

Discussion Filed Under:

Security, Endpoint Protection (AntiVirus)

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Brian81 Trusted Advisor

Secure data deletion. - Comment:14 Jan 2013 : Link

SEP does not offer this ability.

Check this product by Symantec which should do it:

Shredding Files with PGP Shredder - PGP Desktop 10

Article:TECH149789

Created: 2010-04-22

Updated: 2011-02-07

Article URL http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH149789

SEP Knowledge Base

Endpoint SWAT

Rafeeq

Secure data deletion. - Comment:14 Jan 2013 : Link

Its not possibel with SEP as of now.

Please don't forget to mark your thread solved with whatever answer helped you : ) Rafeeq

SebastianZ Symantec Employee

Secure data deletion. - Comment:14 Jan 2013 : Link

SEP as with the current version does not offer any functionality for data shredding or secure deletion. As mentioned by Brian PGP Shredded would be the tool to use.

Mr.Proper

Secure data deletion. - Comment:14 Jan 2013 : Link

Thanks, guys, for your responses.

Based on what I’ve read in the corresponding User Guide, PGP is likely to answer my requirements. Nevertheless, I’m eager to understand in details how this software works? I’m willing to find as much as possible about used algorithm since it’s the case of the confidential data.

In the existent UG there is nothing but the following statement:

The PGP Shredder feature works by overwriting your data with random text. It repeats this multiple times, or passes.

Can somebody provide link to the document with full description of the process or give specific explanation regarding it?

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Alexei.