

This means overwriting it with junk data prevents that file’s contents from ever being recovered.

When you store a file on a regular spinning hard disk (an HDD), it occupies a physical location on the disk’s surface. However, Apple removed the secure erase features in OS X 10.11 El Capitan because new Macs contained SSDs by default. DoD pattern of overwriting data seven times. You can use the standard method of erasing files (moving files to and then emptying the Trash) on SSDs.īeginning with Mac OS X 10.3, Apple introduced the Secure Empty Trash feature to increase security. Newer Macs now come with solid-state drives (SSDs), and you cannot securely erase files on an SSD. Older Macs came with regular hard disk drives (HDDs). Securely Erase Files on Solid State Drives (SSDs) vs. You don’t need to delete files on an SSD securely. Then again try to Empty the Trash.The need to securely delete files on your hard drive depends on whether you’re using a regular hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Security button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.Ħ. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.ĥ. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.Ĥ. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.ģ. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. O pen Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.Ģ. If your external drive is used only on your Mac, then it should not be formatted ExFAT. If you don't have permission to access some items that means you shouldn't be trying to delete them or you are trying to delete a file you don't own. You really don't need to do "secure Empty Trash." Just empty the Trash.
