Home / server / Questions / 335643
In Process
Zillo
Asked: 2011-11-29 18:36:39 +0800 CST

Any way to completely remove sensitive content from the HDD before returning CentOS dedicated servers?

  • 772

We are going to return a few rented CentOS dedicated servers and I was wondering about any way to remove sensitive content (a few folders) from the HDD before returning these servers?

Maybe some Linux alternative to "Eraser"? If so, what are those alternatives?

Thank you in advance

linux centos secure-delete dedicated-server

2 Answers

  1. If we are talking about specific partitions, you can run the following remotely:

    dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hdxX (or sdx in some cases).

    You can also use this command

    shred -vfz -n 1 /dev/hdxX

    If you have physical access, you can run the above commands on the entire drive if desired or use this:

    http://www.dban.org/

    • 3

  2. Use shred on the sensitive files concerned.

    You should also ask the hosting company what are its procedures for wiping servers and wiping backups.

    • 1