ProtectStar Data Shredder Free is a free version of ProtectStar data shredding software. It performs 50 deletion processes in a manner that complies with international data security standards. It exceeds the ability of common file shredders, as it meets industry, government, and military standards. The range of specified data for deletion can even include secret and top-secret security level information e.g. the German BSI/VS-ITR TL-03423 standard, US Army AR380-19, DoD 5220.22-M ECE and DoD (Department of Defense) 5220.22-M E. Therefore, confidential data can be securely deleted from Hard drives, SSD hard disks, Memory sticks, USB & flash drives, CompactFlash, Secure Digital (SD) cards, MMC, xD, MicroDrive and so on. ]
Other features include, detailed deletion log, secure deletion of free storage space, as well as the moving files / folder to Windows Recycle Bin, Internet cache, cookies, temporary system folders, etc. It is compatible with solid state drives and supports FAT, FAT32 and NTFS (file systems), as well as IDE/ATA, SCSI, USB, SATA, SAS, RAID and Firewire devices.
To get started, select a task from the main interface (e.g. file deletion, erasing of free space or temporary files and secure re-allocation of files.
To delete a file(s), select Erase Files And Folders from the main menu, add files or folders to the queue and hit Next.
Now select a preferred mechanism to delete the files and hit Next.
This will permanently delete the specified files and folders. To view the log file of the deletion process, click on View Log.
The Erase Free Space option from the main interface can be used for deleting free space and entire system partitions. this can cover up some security lopes such as the inability to add data in the absence of free space to a system partition (e.g. by a virus that may attempt to replicate files). Plus system partitions containing confidential data can be securely erased in order to protect the information from going into the wrong hands.
Certain directories containing temporary files can also be removed from the Erase Temporary Files option which includes, Recycle Bin files, Temporary Internet Files and other temporary files directories.
Data can also be securely moved from one part of the system to another defined location, from the Move Files And Folders Securely option on the main interface. Simply, add the files/folders, specify an alternative location and hit Next to continue.
ProtectStar works on the following operating systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
