Secure Delete Files in Mac OS X

Selecting the Empty Trash option on the trash can in Mac OS X does not securely delete your files. If you do not securely delete your files then someone may be able to undelete your files and read your sensitive files. Category-1 data should always be securely deleted off computers.

1.) First drag the files you want to secure delete into the trash can like you normally do. Then from the top Apple menu bar click Finder and then Secure Empty Trash...

• You may need to click on your desktop once to get the top Apple menu bar to appear

2.) A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the secure delete operation. Click OK to start the operation.

3.) A window with a progress meter will appear displaying the progress of the secure delete operation. Depending on how many files were in your trash can, it may take a few minutes for the operation to complete.

4.) When the operation is complete, the items in your trash can will have been securely deleted.