Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Secure Erase VS Alternate File Shredder

Compare Secure Erase VS Alternate File Shredder and see what are their differences

Secure Erase logo Secure Erase

Secure Erase is a new utility that accounts for your data privacy allows you to wipe data from your device, making it unusable and ensuring your privacy.

Alternate File Shredder logo Alternate File Shredder

File shredding program; great alternative to Eraser.
  • Secure Erase Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-15
  • Alternate File Shredder Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-02

Secure Erase features and specs

  • Thorough data removal
    Secure Erase is designed to completely remove all data from a hard drive by overwriting every track and sector, ensuring that data recovery is virtually impossible.
  • Speed
    Compared to other data wiping methods, Secure Erase can be faster because it uses manufacturer-provided commands to optimize the data removal process.
  • Built into drives
    Secure Erase utilizes commands that are integrated into the firmware of modern hard drives, eliminating the need for additional software.
  • Compliance
    Using Secure Erase may help in meeting industry standards and compliance requirements for data destruction and privacy protection.

Possible disadvantages of Secure Erase

  • Limited to certain drives
    Secure Erase can only be used with drives that support the ATA Secure Erase command, which may not include older drives or some newer SSDs.
  • Complexity
    Executing a Secure Erase may require specific knowledge or tools to initiate the process, potentially complicating its use for non-technical users.
  • Potential firmware issues
    There is a possibility of encountering firmware glitches or malfunctions when executing a Secure Erase, which could render the drive inoperable.
  • Wear and tear
    Executing a Secure Erase involves significant read/write operations that can induce wear and tear, particularly in SSDs, potentially shortening their lifespan.

Alternate File Shredder features and specs

  • Data Security
    Alternate File Shredder offers secure deletion of files, which helps ensure that sensitive data cannot be easily recovered by unauthorized parties.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software provides an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all experience levels.
  • Multiple Shredding Methods
    It provides various shredding algorithms to choose from, allowing users to select the level of security they require for deleting their files.
  • Cost
    Alternate File Shredder is available as freeware, making it an economical choice for users who need basic file shredding capabilities.

Possible disadvantages of Alternate File Shredder

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to some other shredding software, it may lack advanced features such as scheduled shredding or integration with cloud storage services.
  • Windows Only
    The software is only available for Windows operating systems, which limits its usability for those using macOS or Linux.
  • No Recovery Options
    Once files are shredded using this tool, they cannot be recovered, which could be a drawback for users who accidentally delete important data.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Secure Erase and Alternate File Shredder)
Monitoring Tools
55 55%
45% 45
Data Eraser
58 58%
42% 42
CRM
46 46%
54% 54
Windows Tools
58 58%
42% 42

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Secure Erase seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Secure Erase mentions (2)

  • How can I obliterate a laptop so I can do a fresh install?
    The fresh windows install option should clear everything out in a secure fashion. But if you're really worried about chinese spyware or something that would somehow stick around, you can look at bootable secure erase USB software. This is what you'd want to look at. There are other tools too, those work pretty well. Although certain tools only work with an HDD or an SSD, though some do both. But just know that... Source: over 2 years ago
  • 2017 MacBook Pro reset
    Since the drive is soldered in, best you can do is use something like secureerase (https://cmrr.ucsd.edu/resources/secure-erase.html). Source: almost 3 years ago

Alternate File Shredder mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Alternate File Shredder yet. Tracking of Alternate File Shredder recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Secure Erase and Alternate File Shredder, you can also consider the following products

File Shredder - File Shredder is free desktop application for shredding (destroying) unwanted files beyond recovery.

Ambeteco Offigneum - Offigneum is the superior file shredding software for PC. Utmost security, 51 shredding algorithms, seamless Windows integration, amazing features, and elegant design.

Secure Eraser - Secure data deletion, shredders your files & folders.

OW Shredder - a security tool, that allows you to completely erase sensitive data from your computer.

SSuite File Shredder - Completely shred all your most sensitive files with the utmost confidence.

AppleXsoft File Eraser - AppleXsoft File Eraser is a data wipe utility that allow you to permanently erase selected files, folders from the hard drive and other storage media.