If you work with highly confidential data, you should know that when you delete a file, it can be restored by certain utilities. Thus, you will want to make sure that when you delete a file, it is gone for good.
One way is to use the Erase Free Space feature in Disk Utility. There are three options: Zero Out, 7-Pass or 35-Pass. Most often, Zero Out should be sufficient. 7-Pass will do as the name suggests – go through your drive 7 times. Use 35-Pass if you are really paranoid but be prepared – it will take quite a bit of time.
To Erase the Free Space on your Hard Drive:
- Select Go > Utilties from the Finder Menu.
- Double-click Disk Utility.
- Click the Erase tab in the right pane.
- Choose the drive you want to erase in the left pane.
- Click the Erase Free Space button.
- Choose Zero Out, 7-Pass or 35-Pass.
- Click “Erase Free Space”.
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