How to Use Gutmann Wipe Method to Securely Erase the Disk
What is the Gutmann Wipe Method?
The Gutmann method is a secure algorithm for erasing hard disk drive contents, developed by Peter Gutmann and Colin Plumb in 1996. It achieves a complete erase by repeatedly writing 35 segments in the sectors to be erased.
The technique uses a random character for the first 4 and last 4 passes, and a complex overwrite pattern from the 5th to the 31st pass, writing a total of 35 times, making it the most thorough method but also the longest to execute.
Why Do We Need Gutmann Wipe Method?
Deleting files from an old storage device and disposing of it may seem like a convenient solution, but it's actually a risky move. The truth is, even after deleting files, the data remains on the drive and can be easily recovered with the right data recovery tools, making it possible for others to access sensitive information.
To securely erase a disk, you should wipe it multiple times to make data recovery difficult. This can be done by wiping the disk once, three times, seven times, or even thirty-five times, with more erasures making it harder for data to be recovered.
To completely wipe your disk, I recommend using the Peter Gutmann wipe method, which is the safest and most thorough erasing method. This will effectively protect your data, especially sensitive information, from being leaked.
Difference between Gutmann and Other Wipe Method
We will introduce 7 common erasing methods in the world, and you can find the difference between the Gutmann wipe method and other methods.
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 5220.22-M): The 3-pass and 7-pass erase standards are two levels of erasure security, with the 3-pass standard being more secure and common, implemented in three passes with varying verification frequencies, and the 7-pass standard being even more enhanced and secure, implemented in seven passes with frequent verification.
- US Army AR 380-19: The US Army's method, published in Army Regulation 380-19, involves three passes to completely destroy data.
- US Air Force AFSSI-5020: This method uses zeros, ones, and pseudo-random values, but in a different order and number of passes.
- Canadian RCMP TSSIT OPS-II: It uses 6 passes of complementary repeated values and ends by overwriting a pseudo-random character with verification in the 7th pass.
- British HMG IS5: The algorithm uses 2 or 3 passes to write a combination of zero, one, and random data, with verification.
- Peter Gutmann: The Gutmann wipe method is a highly secure way to erase data, involving 35 passes of overwriting with pseudo-random values. It starts with random values in the first and last four passes, and then uses a complex pattern from pass five to pass 31. This method is designed to ensure that any remaining data is completely erased.
The Safe and Reliable Gutmann Wipe Software
When you want to erase a disk using the Gutmann method, you'll need to select a reliable software to help you. A good option is Qiling Disk Master Professional, which can assist you in safely and effectively erasing the disk.
This software can erase disks, partitions, and unallocated space, and offers various wiping methods, including the Gutmann wipe method, making it a versatile tool for secure disk erasure.
The last two disk wiping methods, DoD 5220 22 M and Gutmann, are more thorough, so people often compare them to see which is better. The DoD method allows users to set their own wiping times, ranging from 3 to 7, while Gutmann is even more thorough, requiring 35 passes to erase a disk completely.
How to Use Gutmann Wipe Method to Erase the Disk Easily
Before erasing your disk with a reliable wipe tool, make sure to backup any significant files or data, as they will be lost forever after the wiping process. Once you're ready, follow the steps to complete the disk erasure.
Step 1. Download Qiling Disk Master Professional, install, and open it. Then click Tools > Disk Wipe.
Step 2. Choose the disk you want to wipe and click Next.
Step 3. Choose the Gutmann wiping method and click Proceed.
Notes:
- Fill sectors with random data: This method overwrites the data on the disk with a random number.
- DoD 52220.22-M: This tool allows you to set the wiping times from 3 to 7 and provides a more thorough disk wiping than the "Fill sectors with random data" method.
FAQs about Gutmann Wipe
1. How long does a Gutmann wipe take?
A 1TB drive can take around 10 hours to erase over USB 2.0, or up to 350 hours for a Gutmann wipe, which is equivalent to about 2 weeks.
2. Is Gutmann recoverable?
Gutmann wipe makes it impossible to recover overwritten disk space using software alone, as the storage device only returns its current contents via its normal interface.
3. What is a 35 pass erase?
The Gutmann method, also known as a 35 pass erase, is an algorithm for securely erasing hard drive contents by writing 35 patterns over the region to be erased.
Summary
Qiling Disk Master Professional is a safe and reliable tool that uses the Gutmann wipe method to securely erase disk data, preventing data leakage. It also supports various wiping methods and is suitable for Windows server users, who may prefer the Qiling Disk Master Server version.
Acronis True Image is a powerful cloning software that can be used to clone HDD to SSD, clone dynamic disks, clone larger HDD to smaller SSD, and more. It allows users to explore more useful features and can be downloaded to experience its capabilities.
Related Articles
- How to Wipe Disk with Qiling Disk Master
Disk Wipe in Qiling Disk Master is a tool to help you wipe the disk to wipe data and remove the virus permanently. With this tool, you can easily erase data on a partition, unallocated space, and disk. - 4 Ways to Clean a Hard Drive in Windows 10 (Wipe or Cleanup)
If you want to clean a hard drive in Windows 10, try following methods to delete everything and write zeros to hard drive; or if you want perform disk cleanup to free up space, there are also some common solutions. - Is Seven Pass Secure Erase Good Enough? Get Clear Ideas Here!
Can seven pass secure erase wipe a hard drive clean? How long will it take? This article will answer all these questions for you. Please read on. - Secure Erase Flash Drive in Windows 10 | 4 Methods
To protect your privacy, it's necessary to secure erase flash drive in Windows 10 with a data erasing tool before selling it out or donating to others.