For most users, it is good to have a recycle bin in Windows, as it gives you the chance to repent from deleting a specific file. However, many people do not know that your files may still be accessible even after emptying the recycle bin, which is the basis of those programs that can recover lost data. This is obviously an advantage but, at the same time, it represents a great threat to your privacy. Therefore, for those files you want to delete for good, there are applications like BCWipe, which is being reviewed here.
The application works similarly to other tools of the same type; yet, its interface does not resemble those of any of them. That is why it may require some time to explore and get accustomed to its philosophy. Something that may confuse the users is that there is the main window, a sort of a control panel, from where you launch other features, which in turn appear as separate utilities.
Fortunately, the program works in two modes. First, there is an on-demand operation, which shreds all deleted data from your storage devices. Second, there is transparent wiping, which you can activate so that any file gets automatically wiped the very moment you delete it. Additional wiping procedures include clearing the free and hidden areas of your disks as well as erasing the Internet and local histories. However, compared to other similar tools, this one does not have as many features intended to protect your privacy while browsing. For example, you cannot say which cookies you want to keep.
One of the greatest advantages of this tool is the extensive list of wiping protocols, including U.S DoD 5200.22-M(ECE) and Peter Gutmann. Not only can you choose one of them but also create your own combinations, or set a specific number of passes. So, as to effectiveness, this product is probably one of the safest data shredding programs available. Another advantage of BCWipe is that you can schedule wiping jobs to run at a particular time and include a list of specific folders.
In general, I am pleased with BCWipe, even though the trial version did not allow me to benefit from sophisticated wiping protocols. There is no real free version because you will not be able to use the program 25 days after its installation.
v5.0 [Nov 15, 2010]
Enhanced functionality and interface for BCWipe Task Manager
- Service mode added for more powerful wiping privileges like wiping locked files
- Hidden and silent operations
Run wiping without displaying tasks and messages on screen
- Progress of running tasks displayed in status column
- Terminate running tasks from Task Manager
- View detailed progress by opening associated log file
- Show which user created each wiping task (convenient for multi-user computers)
- More attractive icons added to user interface
Additional task scheduling options
- At system startup – before logon
Wiping tasks scheduled 'at startup' were previously performed at user log on. For added security, this properly evolved 'startup' task schedule now truly runs at system startup before user log on. When wiping tasks run at startup, they are not displayed on the screen anywhere – the wiping operation is performed in the background, transparently and silently. Scheduling wiping tasks at user log on is now listed more accurately as the 'logon' option.
- At logoff/shutdown
When a user has finished working on the computer and is ready to leave for the day, BCWipe tasks can just be set to run at logoff/shutdown without additional effort. Scheduling tasks at logoff/shutdown also increases the power for wiping web browser history. Some Internet Explorer files are locked by the system and cannot be completely wiped while Windows is active. Running wiping tasks at logoff resolves this issue.
- While no users are logged on
If wiping tasks are set to run on a regular schedule (daily or weekly), then they can still be completed even if the user is logged off. In cases where multiple users share a computer, a wiping task scheduled by one user will still run if another user is logged on – wiping tasks run as long as the computer is turned on.
Expanded use of Wipe Internet History and Wipe Local History
