File Eraser (x1)

A secure file deletion tool implementing 7-pass DoD standard, Gutmann method, and metadata destruction for permanent file eradication.

Features

• 7-pass DoD 5220.22-M compliant overwriting
• Optional 35-pass secure deletion for maximum security
• Metadata and filesystem artifact removal
• Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS
• Detects SSD storage and provides appropriate warnings
• Optional overwrite verification for each pass

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.6 or higher
• pip (Python package manager)

Recommended Packages

For enhanced functionality, install optional dependencies:

pip install colorama tqdm

Direct Download

git clone https://github.com/ricalnet/file-eraser-x1.git && cd file-eraser-x1

Usage

Basic File Erasure

python file-eraser-x1.py sensitive-file.txt

Directory Erasure (Recursive)

python file-eraser-x1.py /path/to/sensitive/folder

Advanced Options

# 35-pass Gutmann method
python file-eraser-x1.py target-file --gutmann

# DoD 3-pass standard
python file-eraser-x1.py target-file --dod

# Custom passes with verification disabled
python file-eraser-x1.py target-file --passes 10 --no-verify --no-metadata

# Verbose mode with auto-confirmation
python file-eraser-x1.py target-file -v -y

Command Line Options

Option	Description	Default
path	File or directory path to erase	(required)
--passes	Number of overwrite passes	7
--no-verify	Disable overwrite verification	Enabled
--no-metadata	Disable metadata destruction	Enabled
-v, --verbose	Verbose output mode	Disabled
-y, --yes	Execute without confirmation	Disabled
--gutmann	Use 35-pass Gutmann method	Disabled
--dod	Use DoD 3-pass standard	Disabled

Technical Details

Overwrite Patterns

The tool uses multiple patterns for secure overwriting:

1. DoD 5220.22-M Standard: 3-pass method (ones, zeros, random)
2. Extended 7-pass: Additional patterned overwrites
3. Gutmann 35-pass: Pattern-based method

Metadata Destruction

• File timestamp modification
• Permission changes
• Multiple rename operations
• Filesystem artifact removal

Security Considerations

• The tool detects SSD storage and warns about potential limitations of overwrite methods on flash media
• Each pass can be verified to ensure successful overwriting
• Uses OS-specific secure deletion methods when available

Examples

Secure Document Erasure

python file-eraser-x1.py financial-report.pdf --passes 7 -v

Complete Directory Cleanup

python file-eraser-x1.py ~/deleted-items -y --gutmann

Quick File Removal

python file-eraser-x1.py temp-file.txt --dod --no-metadata -y

Limitations

1. Overwrite methods may be less effective on SSDs due to wear leveling
2. Some filesystems may retain data in journals
3. Physical recovery may still be possible in some scenarios
4. Not effective for files synced to cloud services

Recommendations

1. For maximum security on SSDs, use full-disk encryption
2. Combine with physical destruction for highly sensitive media
3. Regularly use the tool for routine secure deletion needs
4. Verify important deletions with the verification option

Disclaimer

This tool is provided for educational and legitimate security purposes only. The authors are not responsible for misuse of this software. Always ensure you have proper authorization before deleting any files.

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

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Note: Always test the tool on non-critical files before using it for important operations.