CBL Data Shredder vs File Shredder

CBL Data Shredder is a free utility for erasing hard-drive contents so existing and future software-based recovery tools cannot retrieve them. It overwrites the entire disk with bit patterns, with methods using different numbers of passes. Users can choose a pattern and pass count; the default is one pass of “00”. The program implements a described US Department of Defense 5220.22-M method using three passes with different patterns, and also lists VSITR, Bruce Schneier, Peter Gutmann, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police DSX methods. Its Peter Gutmann implementation makes 35 passes. The Windows version functions exclusively on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. DOS packages are available as a floppy disk maker, a bootable CD-ROM ISO, and a USB flash drive creator; the USB creator requires Windows 7 or later. The free download requires submitting a name and email address, and downloading means agreeing to the licensing conditions. The product warns that modern-drive features may leave some areas inaccessible to the software and vulnerable to hardware-based recovery. Its DSX method alone is not approved for sanitizing classified information, and current standards require physical destruction afterward.

File Shredder is a free Windows desktop application for permanently deleting unwanted files. It overwrites files with random binary data multiple times, and users can select from five shredding algorithms of increasing strength. The queue accepts individual files and folders, including their contents and subfolders. Its integrated Disk Wiper targets unused disk space. An optional setting adds secure deletion, queueing, and launch commands to Windows Explorer’s right-click menu. The program is released under the GNU/GPL General Public License and is free for personal and commercial use. The help page lists Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003 Server, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. The maker says the application is not intended to shred entire disk volumes and cannot provide support for it. Shredding is permanent and cannot be undone, so users should check their selections before starting. The home page lists version 2.50.