The Ultimate Guide to Safely Deleting Files on macOS

Securely emptying the Trash on macOS is crucial for maintaining data privacy and security. When you delete files by moving them to the Trash and then emptying it, macOS marks the space as available for new data but does not immediately overwrite the actual content of the deleted files. This means that until the space is overwritten by new data, the deleted files can potentially be recovered using specialized software, posing a security risk. https://www.macube.com/how-to/secure-empty-trash-macos.html In newer macOS versions where the "Secure Empty Trash" feature has been removed, third-party applications offer reliable solutions. Applications like CleanMyMac, Cocktail, and others provide secure deletion options that overwrite deleted files with random data multiple times, making recovery virtually impossible. These tools adhere to advanced data deletion standards like Gutmann and DoD 5220.22-M, ensuring thorough erasure. Additionally, enabling FileVault encryption on macOS encrypts the entire disk, including deleted files, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access any data, even if they manage to recover deleted files. By adopting these practices—using secure deletion tools and enabling encryption—macOS users can effectively protect their sensitive information and ensure that deleted files are permanently erased, maintaining robust data security.