Such vulnerabilities can lead to cyberattacks, viruses, malware, ransomware, and other issues related to data theft or breaches. That means it’s highly possible that it is collecting massive amounts of data from your computer as it writes over your files. Norton has a decent reputation, but its file shredder is not a standalone offering. In the worst-case scenario, file shredding software solutions sometimes have loopholes or back doors allowing bad actors to gather information to use for unlawful purposes. One issue found in using file shredding software like Norton Utilities is the assumption that the software has been downloaded directly from the developer’s site onto a new computer. How The Norton File Shredder Makes Users’ Information Vulnerable The problem is that using Norton’s program to delete files still opens users up to the risk of exposure of their sensitive data, which means they may want to consider a more secure Norton File Shredder alternative. Norton is a common name in security, and its products often come as free trials with new machines with Windows operating systems. A closer look shows the data is still on your computer’s hard drive in the exact location.įile shredding software like Norton’s File Shredder allows users to delete both the files and the hidden copies that last on their hard drives by writing over the data. Many do not know that your computer retains the data, even if it shows you have free space. Unfortunately, this is not how digital deletion works.Įmptying the recycle bin on your desktop results in an empty container that appears to show you the file(s) has been deleted. These files must be destroyed when they are no longer needed, and many assume deleting the information and emptying their desktop recycling bins will do the trick. Client and customer data, medical records, financial documents, trade secrets, and intellectual property are just a handful of those you might find on a computer or network. Individuals typically have loads of digital files on their computers, laptops, and other devices from work, owning a business, school, or some combination of such factors. It allows you to permanently remove unwanted files such as documents, spreadsheets, PowerPoints, photos, music, and videos, and shreds digital files by overwriting them with data that makes them unusable and difficult - if not impossible - to recover in the future. The Norton File Shredder program is part of the Norton Utilities software advertised to get your computer running, not a standalone digital file shredding program. How Does Norton File Shredder Work, And Why Do People Use It? Here’s more information about the Norton File Shredder, the risks involved in using it to on unwanted computer files, and why Norton File Shredder alternative Shred Cube is a more secure option. ![]() Multiple software solutions exist to help you truly remove files from desktop computers, laptops, and other devices, but some such software can also introduce risks. ![]() File shredding programs have the same effect as physical paper shredders, making the data stored on your hard drive unreadable and unrepairable and thus keeping it safe from use by nefarious actors. There are a lot of perks to permanently deleting digital files, including that doing so protects individuals from identity theft and businesses from intellectual property theft. Users must use a file shredder like Norton File Shredder or Norton File Shredder alternative Shred Cube to remove their files for good. The law requires that the latter destroy and protect some information - especially in the healthcare sector - but simple deletion does not mean the information is gone forever. Everyone benefits from shredding their unwanted digital documents and files, whether as individuals or companies.
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