well i don't need "tools" to securely erase data off storage media , i'm a hacker and cmd's are my friends!
Code:
dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/sda
hit enter .... does the job reliably!
if you wanna be really sure , run it several times or even better , put it in a loop (ten times is military standard)
caveats:
1) make sure no I/O errors have been raised by dd , otherwise there is no guarantee that all sectors have gone bye bye.
2) the overwriting bits need to be as random as possible , if /dev/urandom isn't random enough for your requirements , find a better and stronger randomization algorithm or take advantage of hardware generated random bits (i.e white noise from an untuned radio or from thermal infrared receivers)
3) if you're in a hurry (for whatever reason) and the data is reaaaally sensitive , unplug the storage media and microwave it !!
i should mention that microwaving conductive material may cause fires. although , if you're determined to protect the information at any cost i don't think that would be a problem.
in closing, you need to identify the threats. in other words , whom are you protecting the data from? your little brother? cyber criminals ? the NSA ?
in any case, assess the risks , then plan for the worst and hope for the best.
peace out
