Re: [tlug] Really Wiping Data

[Jim <jep200404@example.com>]

Josh "the not quite paranoid enough" Glover wrote:

> How's this:
> 
> for i in zero random zero random zero; do
> 
>   dd if=/dev/$i of=/dev/hda
> 
> done
> 
> Data gone!

Not quite. 

Actually after writing each pattern of random data, 
you need to let the data soak for about three weeks 
before writing the next pass of (random) data. 
Repeat about ten times. 
The zero passes are not useful, 
although a nice courtesy at the end. 

Reducing the whole drive to dust with a grinder is quicker. 

For most of us, one pass of if=/dev/zero is sufficient.