BitWipe^®
DATA WIPING SOFTWARE

Zero (1 Pass)

It refers to the simplest approach for data sanitization. In this data-wiping method, your storage space gets overwritten by binary 0 (zeroes). It is suggested for users who need to quickly erase their non-sensitive data permanently.

Random (1 Pass)

This algorithm is a slightly enhanced version of the previous one. In this erasure method, data is overwritten by random numbers so that it cannot be retrieved by unauthorized parties or forensic data recovery software. This wiping technique is suitable for users who need a moderate level of security for their non-sensitive data.

BitWipe – Simple (1 Pass)

As the name suggests, this approach will overwrite your data at bit level individually with 0 and 1 binary digits. It is a faster way of data wiping as compared to a multi-pass algorithm. However, this technique is not recommended for sensitive data.

Zero & Random (2 Passes)

This erasure method is suitable for corporate and personal devices. In this method, the data is overwritten by binary zeroes in the first pass. In the second pass, it will overwrite the same storage blocks with mixtures of binary 0s and 1s.

Random & Zero (2 Passes)

This involves two passes of data overwriting. First, it will re-write storage with random mixtures of 0s and 1s. Secondly, it will overwrite the data with binary 0s to ensure an additional level of data wiping, so that it cannot be recovered.

BitWipe – Medium (2 Passes)

This data wiping approach refers to the 2-pass bit-level overwriting with 0 and 1. The first pass will re-write each bit of storage with 0s and 1s using a specific pattern. The second phase will overwrite all zeroes or ones based on the pattern.

Russian – GOST-R-50739-95 (2 Passes)

As the name suggests, GOST-R-50739-95 is a Russian data wiping algorithm involving two passes. In the initial pass, the selected partition in the storage device is overwritten by fixed digits commonly by zeroes. In the second pass, the data is overwritten by a random set of numbers.

Pseudo-Random & Zeroes (2 Passes)

It is a simple, straightforward method that includes two passes of data erasure. In the very first pass, data is completely overwritten by a random pattern. Thereafter, the data is again overwritten by all zeroes to ensure that no original data patterns are left behind.

US DoD / US Air Force (3 Passes)

The US DoD / US Air Force (3 Passes) data-erasing algorithm is widely recognized as a secure way for data wiping. It consists of 3 passes. In the first pass, all the data is overwritten by binary zeroes. In the second pass, data is again overwritten by all binary "ones". And in the final pass, it is overwritten with a random pattern that renders the data irrecoverable despite using sophisticated recovery measures.

US Navy – MFM (3 Passes)

It is another data-erasing algorithm but is more specifically for magnetic devices like the hard disks. This algorithm includes 3 passes for data wiping; the term MFM stands for Modified Frequency Modulation. In the very first pass, the data is overwritten by all zeroes. Thereafter, in the second pass, the data is overwritten by all ones (0xFF). Finally, in the last pass, data is overwritten using pseudo-random data.

US Navy – RLL (3 Passes)

This algorithm is designed for storage devices using older RLL (Run-Length Limited) magnetic modulation schemes. It follows a strict 3-pass sequence utilizing specialized overwriting matrices to ensure residual magnetic signatures are fully neutralized.

NCSG-TG-025 (3 Passes)

This algorithm is devoted to erasing highly sensitive information. It supports a multi-pass approach to securely wipe sensitive data. In the first and second passes, the storage medium is overwritten by zeroes and ones respectively. In the final pass, the storage is again rewritten by a random pattern.

Microsoft Cipher (3 Passes)

The Microsoft Cipher three-pass algorithm securely sanitizes hard drive free space by first overwriting all unallocated sectors entirely with zeroes. Next, it executes a second pass over the same area by replacing those zeroes with ones, forcing every digital bit to change its physical state. The final pass covers the space with a sequence of completely random numbers to mask any residual electronic or magnetic traces. This comprehensive, three-step cycle mimics government data-shredding standards to ensure previously deleted files are rendered permanently unrecoverable by forensic software.

Bit Toggle (4 Passes)

This approach is an advanced data-erasing technique to securely wipe data from the storage devices. This technique follows the toggle (switching) method to switch bits multiple times. In the first and second pass of this approach, data is rewritten by zeroes and ones respectively. Finally, in the third and fourth passes, the data is first toggled to the opposite bits and then overwritten by a random pattern respectively.

British HMG IS5 (3 Passes)

The British HMG IS5 (3 passes) erasure standard is developed by Her Majesty's Government (HMG) in the UK. This approach is more suitable for secure wiping of non-classified data. While structurally similar to other 3-pass techniques, this method strictly adheres to the baseline sanitation requirements defined by Her Majesty's Government.

BitWipe – Secure (4 Passes)

In this method, data is overwritten by fixed zeroes (0x00) and fixed value (0xff) in the very first and second passes respectively. Thereafter the data is toggled to opposite bits such as 0s to 1s and 1s to 0s in the third pass. Finally, in the last pass, the data is overwritten by a random mixture of binary zeroes (0x00) and 1s.

Peter Gutmann (35 Passes)

This is the best data wiping method that comes with 35 passes; hence this algorithm is considered the world's best data erasure method. This data erasure technique was devised by Peter Gutmann and Colin Plumb in 1996. Choose this algorithm for the safest possible data destruction.

Bruce Schneier's Algorithm (7 Passes)

This advanced algorithm for data wipe solution is an extremely secure and advanced approach. Within this approach, the data is rewritten by a random pattern in 7 passes. Users can choose this algorithm within this data wipe software to get the best level of data disposal available.

NATO Standards (7 Passes)

This data wipe technique is based on the standard of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In this technique, a file would be overwritten seven times; it is safe to use for general files.