Security advice needed on available freeware tools...please advise

[alpha]

Can anybody tell me if any freeware exists to permanently delete all
the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from the recycle bin???

...I already have "eraser" (pricelessware voting
reccomendation)installed but i dont think this can easilly do what i
require. Over the years i have deleted numerous files which i would
like to have peace of mind that they cannot ever be retreaved using a
recycle bin recovery tool. ie.....passwords which are still in use and
probably stuff i have forgotten about all together. I am confident my
current data is secure as can be with strong PGP encription and that i
have eraser to destroy current files if neccesary, but previously
deleted data worries me. I assume the best way to permanently delete
stuff from now on is to use "eraser" and that there is no more that can
be done?. I am curious to know.....is this truely an unrecoverable
delete or can even this tool leave forensic evidence which perhaps an
expert can recover???.

The reason i am so concirned about this is because i do online business
and where money is concirned i dont want to take any chances and enjoy
peace of mind.....TOTAL PARANOIA! is my new business policy.....lol

I am currently undergoing a full security evaluation and i am confident
i now have the right tools to keep out everyone who is not a total
security geek. I currently use AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script
trap, win patrol, host file, spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup,
EZBackup, and windows and office auto update set to automatic, i also
occasionally use online pc pitstop, and panda online virus scan, and
will soon test shields up scan when ready. (like i said...total
paranoia!...lol) All that is left is to assume my security setup can be
penatrated and to plan accordingly by disguising and encrypting private
data and storing what i can on cd's. Are there any other security
measures/tips i can take which are configarable for us non
techies???.....any tips beyond the above appreciated.

I was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to shred
files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better technique
of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with a
cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear. Is it possible to
reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can start the whole
"allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have perhaps in the past
accidently given the "allow" access permission to some nasty intruders
and want to start from scratch again.

Would really appreciate it if anyone knows a way of permanently
destroying all historical material without the need to search through
piles of data looking for specific files. I am assuming that all
historical data can be located via the recycle bin without the need to
locate other seperate areas of my pc using windows explorer?. If its a
case of spending ages sifting through windows explorer i will take my
chances but if anyone knows of some simple 10 minute steps i would much
appreciate advice. Please keep in mind my computer knowledge is not at
nurd level....i understand how to use file management but the in depth
workings of a pc are beyond me.

interested to hear weather or not people on this group consider
"roboform" to be secure from hackers???....i am considering buying the
full version as i have run out of passcards and wondered if the pro
version offers added security???

I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see they
list "password safe"......is this any better than roboform???

I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares site......is
this program offering better protection than the freeware program
"script trap"???

many thanks in advance if anyone knows of a freeware tool to easilly
erase all previous data.

Note....i already know how to delete cookies, temps, casche, urls,
etc....i just need to know how to PERMANENTLY erase all previosly
deleted data.

AN EASIER TO READ SUMMARY OF MY QUESTIONS:

1. can anybody tell me if any "easy to use" freeware exists to
permanently delete all the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from
the recycle bin???

2. I assume the best way to permanently delete stuff from now on is to
use "eraser" and that there is no added measures that can be taken?.

3. is "eraser" truely an unrecoverable delete or can even this tool
leave forensic evidence which perhaps a geek can recover???.


4. Are there any other security measures/tips i can take which are
configarable for us non techies???.....any tips beyond this lot:

AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script trap, win patrol, host file,
spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup, EZBackup, and windows and office auto
update set to automatic, i also occasionally use online pc pitstop, and
panda online virus scan, and will soon test shields up scan.

5. i was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to
shred files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better freeware
technique of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with
a cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear.

6. Is it possible to reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can
start the whole "allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have
perhaps in the past accidently given the "allow" access permission to
some nasty intruders and want to start from scratch again.

7. Is "roboform" secure from hackers???....or is it too risky

8. I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see
they list "password safe"......is this any better than
roboform???...does it autofill or is it just a safe?

9. I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares
site......is this program offering better protection than the freeware
program "script trap" which i already use???

I know thats a lot of questions but perhaps any answers can be of
archival security asistance to newbees on this group, or anyone who is
not technical but wants to increase their security and backup
abillities.

Hoping someone can take the time to reply.....if dozens of people reply
to this post like my last post please understand that i cannot possibly
reply to every individual and so i send my thanks in advance to all who
offer their advice.

cheers..........A

PS. and remember everyone!........just because people say your
paranoid, does not neccesarally mean the CIA, FBI, MI5 and little green
men are not following you!......

PPS. rather than make lots of seperate posts...Just thought i would
squeeze these other 3 questions in:

anyone recommend a favorites organiser/searcher?

anyone know a way to highlight explorer folders?

any recommendations for an easy use freeware folder lock without
spyware?

 

[Chrissy Cruiser]

..I already have "eraser" (pricelessware voting
reccomendation)installed but i dont think this can easilly do what i
require. Over the years i have deleted numerous files which i would
like to have peace of mind that they cannot ever be retreaved using a
recycle bin recovery tool. ie

The you can only do one thing. Pull you HD and place it in a industrial
quality trash crusher.

 

[Philippe l. Balmanno]

| Can anybody tell me if any freeware exists to permanently delete all
| the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from the recycle bin???
|
| ..I already have "eraser" (pricelessware voting
| reccomendation)installed but i dont think this can easilly do what i
| require. Over the years i have deleted numerous files which i would
| like to have peace of mind that they cannot ever be retreaved using
a
| recycle bin recovery tool. ie.....passwords which are still in use
and
| probably stuff i have forgotten about all together. I am confident
my
| current data is secure as can be with strong PGP encription and that
i
| have eraser to destroy current files if neccesary, but previously
| deleted data worries me. I assume the best way to permanently delete
| stuff from now on is to use "eraser" and that there is no more that
can
| be done?. I am curious to know.....is this truely an unrecoverable
| delete or can even this tool leave forensic evidence which perhaps
an
| expert can recover???.
|
| The reason i am so concirned about this is because i do online
business
| and where money is concirned i dont want to take any chances and
enjoy
| peace of mind.....TOTAL PARANOIA! is my new business policy.....lol
|
| I am currently undergoing a full security evaluation and i am
confident
| i now have the right tools to keep out everyone who is not a total
| security geek. I currently use AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT,
script
| trap, win patrol, host file, spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup,
| EZBackup, and windows and office auto update set to automatic, i
also
| occasionally use online pc pitstop, and panda online virus scan, and
| will soon test shields up scan when ready. (like i said...total
| paranoia!...lol) All that is left is to assume my security setup can
be
| penatrated and to plan accordingly by disguising and encrypting
private
| data and storing what i can on cd's. Are there any other security
| measures/tips i can take which are configarable for us non
| techies???.....any tips beyond the above appreciated.
|
| I was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to
shred
| files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
| security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better
technique
| of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with a
| cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear. Is it possible to
| reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can start the whole
| "allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have perhaps in the
past
| accidently given the "allow" access permission to some nasty
intruders
| and want to start from scratch again.
|
| Would really appreciate it if anyone knows a way of permanently
| destroying all historical material without the need to search
through
| piles of data looking for specific files. I am assuming that all
| historical data can be located via the recycle bin without the need
to
| locate other seperate areas of my pc using windows explorer?. If its
a
| case of spending ages sifting through windows explorer i will take
my
| chances but if anyone knows of some simple 10 minute steps i would
much
| appreciate advice. Please keep in mind my computer knowledge is not
at
| nurd level....i understand how to use file management but the in
depth
| workings of a pc are beyond me.
|
| interested to hear weather or not people on this group consider
| "roboform" to be secure from hackers???....i am considering buying
the
| full version as i have run out of passcards and wondered if the pro
| version offers added security???
|
| I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see
they
| list "password safe"......is this any better than roboform???
|
| I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares
site......is
| this program offering better protection than the freeware program
| "script trap"???
|
| many thanks in advance if anyone knows of a freeware tool to easilly
| erase all previous data.
|
| Note....i already know how to delete cookies, temps, casche, urls,
| etc....i just need to know how to PERMANENTLY erase all previosly
| deleted data.
|
| AN EASIER TO READ SUMMARY OF MY QUESTIONS:
|
| 1. can anybody tell me if any "easy to use" freeware exists to
| permanently delete all the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from
| the recycle bin???
|
| 2. I assume the best way to permanently delete stuff from now on is
to
| use "eraser" and that there is no added measures that can be taken?.
|
| 3. is "eraser" truely an unrecoverable delete or can even this tool
| leave forensic evidence which perhaps a geek can recover???.
|
|
| 4. Are there any other security measures/tips i can take which are
| configarable for us non techies???.....any tips beyond this lot:
|
| AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script trap, win patrol, host
file,
| spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup, EZBackup, and windows and office
auto
| update set to automatic, i also occasionally use online pc pitstop,
and
| panda online virus scan, and will soon test shields up scan.
|
| 5. i was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to
| shred files after using eraser on them???....and will this give
added
| security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better freeware
| technique of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk
with
| a cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear.
|
| 6. Is it possible to reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can
| start the whole "allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have
| perhaps in the past accidently given the "allow" access permission
to
| some nasty intruders and want to start from scratch again.
|
| 7. Is "roboform" secure from hackers???....or is it too risky
|
| 8. I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i
see
| they list "password safe"......is this any better than
| roboform???...does it autofill or is it just a safe?
|
| 9. I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares
| site......is this program offering better protection than the
freeware
| program "script trap" which i already use???
|
| I know thats a lot of questions but perhaps any answers can be of
| archival security asistance to newbees on this group, or anyone who
is
| not technical but wants to increase their security and backup
| abillities.
|
| Hoping someone can take the time to reply.....if dozens of people
reply
| to this post like my last post please understand that i cannot
possibly
| reply to every individual and so i send my thanks in advance to all
who
| offer their advice.
|
| cheers..........A
|
| PS. and remember everyone!........just because people say your
| paranoid, does not neccesarally mean the CIA, FBI, MI5 and little
green
| men are not following you!......
|
| PPS. rather than make lots of seperate posts...Just thought i would
| squeeze these other 3 questions in:
|
| anyone recommend a favorites organiser/searcher?
|
| anyone know a way to highlight explorer folders?
|
| any recommendations for an easy use freeware folder lock without
| spyware?

I use a free utility from Redstrike called Ultrawipe which gives you
the option of deleteing temps, files and freespace from 1 pass to DOD+
to 35 passes. So, I recently tested this out and found another
utility Undelete which basically found all the files I had deleted
with Ultrawipe and allowed me to replace the first letter to restore
the file.

If you find one that works and the files can't be found or recovered
with an undelete program I will be interested too.

 

[Ben Wylie]

Can anybody tell me if any freeware exists to permanently delete all
the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from the recycle bin???

The system rescue cd:
http://www.sysresccd.org/
claims to contain secure delete
http://www.thc.org/releases.php?q=delete
from "The Hackers Choice" or TCH.

System rescue cd is a gentoo linux bootable cd with lots of helpful tools.
In "secure delete" is a program called sfill which i think should do exactly
what you are wanting. This is from the Readme file:
sfill does a secure overwriting of the unused diskspace on the harddisk.

It may be possible to use the system rescue cd to mount your hard disk (is
it ntfs or fat32?) and wipe the unused disk space, but i have never done
this myself.

Ben

 

[Georgia]

6. Is it possible to reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can
start the whole "allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have
perhaps in the past accidently given the "allow" access permission to
some nasty intruders and want to start from scratch again.

You can go to Program Control, Programs and delete all the programs to reset
it to a "new" state.

 

[alpha]

fat32,.

this sounds interesting, but i am running windows. I am planning on a
partition to switch to linux in the near future though........if you
have never tryed this yourself , i would be pretty scared to try it
myself. I will definatly look into this though.....thanks for the tip.

A

 

[alpha]

why did i not think of that......hmmmmm

 

[alpha]

which operating system do i need for the dumpster???

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Alpha - You can get an older, still free, version 2.08 of BCWipe here
which will do what you want:
http://www.tbhccs.com/downloads/freeware-page-06/bcwipe-v208.zip Read the
Help carefull - you can do considerable damage to your machine if you use
this program incorrectly.

 

[Mel]

Can anybody tell me if any freeware exists to permanently delete all
the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from the recycle bin???

..I already have "eraser" (pricelessware voting
reccomendation)installed but i dont think this can easilly do what i
require. Over the years i have deleted numerous files which i would
like to have peace of mind that they cannot ever be retreaved using a
recycle bin recovery tool. ie.....passwords which are still in use and
probably stuff i have forgotten about all together. I am confident my
current data is secure as can be with strong PGP encription and that i
have eraser to destroy current files if neccesary, but previously
deleted data worries me. I assume the best way to permanently delete
stuff from now on is to use "eraser" and that there is no more that can
be done?. I am curious to know.....is this truely an unrecoverable
delete or can even this tool leave forensic evidence which perhaps an
expert can recover???.

The reason i am so concirned about this is because i do online business
and where money is concirned i dont want to take any chances and enjoy
peace of mind.....TOTAL PARANOIA! is my new business policy.....lol

I am currently undergoing a full security evaluation and i am confident
i now have the right tools to keep out everyone who is not a total
security geek. I currently use AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script
trap, win patrol, host file, spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup,
EZBackup, and windows and office auto update set to automatic, i also
occasionally use online pc pitstop, and panda online virus scan, and
will soon test shields up scan when ready. (like i said...total
paranoia!...lol) All that is left is to assume my security setup can be
penatrated and to plan accordingly by disguising and encrypting private
data and storing what i can on cd's. Are there any other security
measures/tips i can take which are configarable for us non
techies???.....any tips beyond the above appreciated.

I was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to shred
files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better technique
of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with a
cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear. Is it possible to
reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can start the whole
"allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have perhaps in the past
accidently given the "allow" access permission to some nasty intruders
and want to start from scratch again.

Would really appreciate it if anyone knows a way of permanently
destroying all historical material without the need to search through
piles of data looking for specific files. I am assuming that all
historical data can be located via the recycle bin without the need to
locate other seperate areas of my pc using windows explorer?. If its a
case of spending ages sifting through windows explorer i will take my
chances but if anyone knows of some simple 10 minute steps i would much
appreciate advice. Please keep in mind my computer knowledge is not at
nurd level....i understand how to use file management but the in depth
workings of a pc are beyond me.

interested to hear weather or not people on this group consider
"roboform" to be secure from hackers???....i am considering buying the
full version as i have run out of passcards and wondered if the pro
version offers added security???

I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see they
list "password safe"......is this any better than roboform???

I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares site......is
this program offering better protection than the freeware program
"script trap"???

many thanks in advance if anyone knows of a freeware tool to easilly
erase all previous data.

Note....i already know how to delete cookies, temps, casche, urls,
etc....i just need to know how to PERMANENTLY erase all previosly
deleted data.

AN EASIER TO READ SUMMARY OF MY QUESTIONS:

1. can anybody tell me if any "easy to use" freeware exists to
permanently delete all the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from
the recycle bin???

2. I assume the best way to permanently delete stuff from now on is to
use "eraser" and that there is no added measures that can be taken?.

3. is "eraser" truely an unrecoverable delete or can even this tool
leave forensic evidence which perhaps a geek can recover???.


4. Are there any other security measures/tips i can take which are
configarable for us non techies???.....any tips beyond this lot:

AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script trap, win patrol, host file,
spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup, EZBackup, and windows and office auto
update set to automatic, i also occasionally use online pc pitstop, and
panda online virus scan, and will soon test shields up scan.

5. i was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to
shred files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
security or is it just unneccesary?....if there is a better freeware
technique of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with
a cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear.

6. Is it possible to reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can
start the whole "allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have
perhaps in the past accidently given the "allow" access permission to
some nasty intruders and want to start from scratch again.

7. Is "roboform" secure from hackers???....or is it too risky

8. I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see
they list "password safe"......is this any better than
roboform???...does it autofill or is it just a safe?

9. I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares
site......is this program offering better protection than the freeware
program "script trap" which i already use???

I know thats a lot of questions but perhaps any answers can be of
archival security asistance to newbees on this group, or anyone who is
not technical but wants to increase their security and backup
abillities.

Hoping someone can take the time to reply.....if dozens of people reply
to this post like my last post please understand that i cannot possibly
reply to every individual and so i send my thanks in advance to all who
offer their advice.

cheers..........A

PS. and remember everyone!........just because people say your
paranoid, does not neccesarally mean the CIA, FBI, MI5 and little green
men are not following you!......

PPS. rather than make lots of seperate posts...Just thought i would
squeeze these other 3 questions in:

anyone recommend a favorites organiser/searcher?

anyone know a way to highlight explorer folders?

any recommendations for an easy use freeware folder lock without
spyware?

If you are so paranoid why are you posting thru google and revealing
NNTP-Posting-Host: 62.252.64.16 to the public along with the counter
measures you are taking to combat being hacked. It's sorta like handing
out the address & keys to your house and giving them the passcode for
your security system.

 

[alpha]

i'm still busy setting up a newsreader, server, and re mailer service
so will have it covered soon.....just have to configure the other
looooooong list of essential progs first.........A

 

[jimbok]

1. can anybody tell me if any "easy to use" freeware exists to
permanently delete all the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from
the recycle bin???

Eraser will do that. Edit the preferences for Erasing and select the
Unused Disk Space tab. Check the boxes for Free disk space, Cluster
tips (also referred to as "slack") and Dir entries. If you are truly
paranoid choose Gutmann 35 pass wiping.

2. I assume the best way to permanently delete stuff from now on is to
use "eraser" and that there is no added measures that can be taken?.

It's all you need. Make sure you set the preferences to include
cluster tips and directory entries.
Added measures would be to include wiping the swap file if any of your
sensitive files were of recent creation.

3. is "eraser" truely an unrecoverable delete or can even this tool
leave forensic evidence which perhaps a geek can recover???.

I have tested Eraser's results with Encase and other forensic tools
and found that it does as advertised.

Eraser includes a command line program with which you can wipe your
entire drive, if you are so inclined.

Also, as mentioned earlier, if you are really really concerned, you
can always destroy the drive.

 

[Antoine]

[Paranoia confession]

Yet another file/folder/drive 'secure' delete utility :
http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/source/sdelete.shtml

 

[Dave B]

I use a free utility from Redstrike called Ultrawipe which gives you
the option of deleteing temps, files and freespace from 1 pass to DOD+
to 35 passes. So, I recently tested this out and found another
utility Undelete which basically found all the files I had deleted
with Ultrawipe and allowed me to replace the first letter to restore
the file.

Glad to hear someone else uses Ultrawipe also. I to tested it and
found that delelted files can still be found using a restore utility,
allthough I couldn't open the file just by clicking on it. I'm sure
with the right program someone else could. I guess all Ultrawipe is
good for is to clean your cache so no one that was just looking at
your history, etc. could see where you've been.

Dave B

 

[Ben Wylie]

fat32,.

this sounds interesting, but i am running windows. I am planning on a
partition to switch to linux in the near future though........if you
have never tryed this yourself , i would be pretty scared to try it
myself. I will definatly look into this though.....thanks for the tip.

A

I've asked in comp.os.linux.security about ntfs and fat32 support, and this
was their response:

NTFS write support is not yet completed in the current kernel tree. You will
be only able to overwrite files with data of the exact size of the original
one.
FAT32 will work.

I'm afraid as i don't have a FAT32 partition, i can't test this myself and
can understand your worries about trying it out.

Ben

 

[Aaron]

A bunch of questions , let's see..

I am currently undergoing a full security evaluation and i am confident
i now have the right tools to keep out everyone who is not a total
security geek. I currently use AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script
trap, win patrol, host file, spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup,
EZBackup, and windows and office auto update set to automatic, i also
occasionally use online pc pitstop, and panda online virus scan, and
will soon test shields up scan when ready. (like i said...total
paranoia!...lol) All that is left is to assume my security setup can be
penatrated and to plan accordingly by disguising and encrypting private
data and storing what i can on cd's. Are there any other security
measures/tips i can take which are configarable for us non
techies???.....any tips beyond the above appreciated.

For encryption and privacy improvements this is interesting
http://www.panta-rhei.dyndns.org/pantawiki/SecurityAndEncryptionFaq




Looks like you have the basic popular security tools. I would personally
migrate away from ZA and AVG to are less well known but equally good
replacements like Sygate and AVAST.

Also I would have liked to recommended some IDS (intrusion detection
system) tools like Prevx ,SSM,
processguard ,abtrusion protector and lately antihook
(http://www.infoprocess.biz/) etc
http://www.techsupportalert.com/intrusion-detection-p2.htm

but you specified non-techies.

I was wondering if i can use my "explorer2 pro" file manager to shred
files after using eraser on them???....and will this give added
security or is it just unneccesary?..

Unnecessary. In terms of erasing tools that are out there , eraser is
about as good as it gets.


...if there is a better technique

of deleting stuff short of manually burning my hard disk with a
cigarette lighter i would be interested to hear.

Not that I know of.


Is it possible to

reset my zonealarm to its "new" state so i can start the whole
"allow/diss-allow" access prosess again??..i have perhaps in the past
accidently given the "allow" access permission to some nasty intruders
and want to start from scratch again.

I'm sure there is a way, but I havent used ZA in years

Would really appreciate it if anyone knows a way of permanently
destroying all historical material without the need to search through
piles of data looking for specific files. I am assuming that all
historical data can be located via the recycle bin without the need to
locate other seperate areas of my pc using windows explorer?.

There is a erase unused disk space in eraser. It will take a while but it
will do what you want.

interested to hear weather or not people on this group consider
"roboform" to be secure from hackers???....i am considering buying the
full version as i have run out of passcards and wondered if the pro
version offers added security???

Not sure, but I doubt it.

I have checked out the security section on pricelessware and i see they
list "password safe"......is this any better than roboform???

Roboform is more feature rich than password safe. On the other hand,
password safe was initally designed by Bruce Schneier - a international
expert on encryption and cryptography. It is currently open source.

I also spotted "script defender" listed on pricelesswares site......is
this program offering better protection than the freeware program
"script trap"???

They are similar programs. Script trap is more flexible than script
defender because it can be altered to monitor more extensions , while
scriptdefender monitoring of extensions is hardcoded and cannot be
changed.

Scriptdefender does have some features not in script-trap, eg ability to
automate virus scanning with scripts.

AN EASIER TO READ SUMMARY OF MY QUESTIONS:

1. can anybody tell me if any "easy to use" freeware exists to
permanently delete all the files WHICH HAVE ALREADY been purged from
the recycle bin???

Eraser, delete unused disk space option.

2. I assume the best way to permanently delete stuff from now on is to
use "eraser" and that there is no added measures that can be taken?.

No, not really.

3. is "eraser" truely an unrecoverable delete or can even this tool
leave forensic evidence which perhaps a geek can recover???.

Depending on how geeky the guy is. FBI,CIA etc i guess could.

4. Are there any other security measures/tips i can take which are
configarable for us non techies???.....any tips beyond this lot:

AVG, ZoneAlarm, AD-AWARE, SpyBOT, script trap, win patrol, host file,
spyblaster, webwasher, Mozbackup, EZBackup, and windows and office auto
update set to automatic, i also occasionally use online pc pitstop, and
panda online virus scan, and will soon test shields up scan.

Microsoft Antispyware if you are on Win2k/XP. Also
http://www.snoopfree.com/help_file/Basics.htm for active keylogger
protection.


Besides that the usual common sense, update and patch regularly etc etc.

You could move towards geekland by using IDS/behviourial monitoring
tools, but they will cause a lot of prompt dialog boxes at the start and
rely a lot on the ability of the user to response correctly.

 

[Chrissy Cruiser]

I have tested Eraser's results with Encase and other forensic tools
and found that it does as advertised.

Could you post those. I would be, as others, very interested.

 

[jimbok]

Could you post those. I would be, as others, very interested.

Really nothing to post. The inspections, sector by sector, showed
that all free space was overwritten by random data, including the
slack space (unused sections of file sectors/clusters) of valid files.
File names were also overwritten and zeroed out.
The programs used, like Encase, are all commercial progs and rather
expensive too.
If you are looking for a freeware forensic type program, the only one
I know of, other than hex editors, is a program called Directory Snoop
v.2.0 . That's an old freeware version about 4 - 5 years old, but it
will do the job of file/sector inspection. It might still be
available via a Google search, or maybe someone has a copy that they
can post or email.

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Jimbok - http://www.worldnet-news.com/dsnoop.zip This is v.2.0

 

[jimbok]

Hi Jimbok - http://www.worldnet-news.com/dsnoop.zip This is v.2.0

Thanks Jim. That was a quick response.
I should also have noted that version 2.0 does not work with WinNT and
probably not with XP. It works OK with FAT but not NTFS.
However for those who still run 95, 98, ME, it works fine.
I noted that the sector viewer has to be refreshed, following a wipe,
in order to see the results of that wipe. Sometimes DirSnoop has to
be closed and then reopened to get a full refresh.

Cheers