[VIDEO] Did You Know: Your Deleted Files Are Still There
If you think nobody will see that deleted file, think again. The 10-minute video will spill some secrets about your deleted files, the CIA and more.
By Judith Yeoh — 23 Jul 2013, 06:29 PM — Updated about 11 years ago
When you delete something (and yes, from the Recycle Bin too) it's just marked as 'unavailable'
Even though you delete your files, they are still there. They have just been marked unavailable. The file in itself is still there taking up space, but the space that it allocates is marked available.
bitrebels.com
Even if a file is deleted properly, it can still be retrieved using specialist software.
Forensic and data recovery specialists are used by large corporations, governments and law enforcement agencies to retrieve valuable data lost by human error, physical disaster, or mechanical failure.
How come there's empty space in my hard disk if the deleted files are 'still there'?
How come there's empty space in my hard disk if the deleted files are 'still there'?
Image via blogspot.comWhen you empty the Recycle Bin, the "pointers" are deleted from the Master File Table (MFT) and any program can then use the space the file took up. But - the data is not erased. Other programs might write over the data and thus obliterate the original data.
yahoo.com
The file in itself is still there taking up space, but the space that it allocates is marked available. This means that until another file is saved on the same sectors as your deleted file, it’s still going to be there.
bitrebels.com
So how can I permanently delete something?
If you want to make sure your files are completely deleted, well you either have to crush your hard drive into teeny tiny pieces or overwrite your entire hard drive at least a couple hundred times, if even that is enough these days.
bitrebels.com
Eventually your file will be overwritten by other files. Until that happens, it is still possible to retrieve your file with 3rd party software.
yahoo.com
Did you know: Ghana, Africa is the western world's digital dumping ground. Files can be extracted from there too
According to Greenpeace, “The latest place where we have discovered high tech toxic trash causing horrendous pollution in Ghana. Our analysis of samples taken from two electronic waste (e-waste) scrap yards in Ghana has revealed severe contamination with hazardous chemicals.”
pbs.orgHard drives that can be salvaged are displayed at open-air markets. Off camera, Ghanaians admit that organized criminals sometimes comb through these drives for personal information to use in scams.
pbs.org"I can get your bank numbers and I retrieve all your money from your accounts,” computer scientist Enoch Kwesi Messiah says. “If ever somebody gets your hard drive, he can get every information about you from the drive, no matter where it is hidden.”
pbs.orgHave something to say about this story? Facebook or Tweet us!
JOIN THE GROWING COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK: SAYS is Malaysia's social news network. Social media users from each country curate, contribute and...
facebook.com
Yang terkini daripada Latest on SAYS (@SAYSdotMY). SAYS is Malaysia's social news network. Get today's must-share stories, links & videos.
twitter.com