Secure File Deletion Tool

A Python-based command-line utility for secure deletion of files and directories. This tool ensures that deleted data cannot be recovered by overwriting it with multiple passes of random data followed by zero-padding.

Features

• Secure Random Data Overwriting: Uses a strong secure random number generator to overwrite files and directories with random data.
• Zero Data Pass: Ensures data is irrecoverable by applying a final pass of zeros.
• Batch File & Directory Deletion: Securely deletes multiple files and directories in a single command.
• Subdirectory Handling: Recursively deletes all contents within directories, including subdirectories.
• Hard Link Detection: Warns if a file has multiple hard links, as the data may still be recoverable elsewhere.
• Symbolic Link Protection: Prevents accidental deletion of symbolic links.
• Free Space Wiping: Option to wipe all free space on a specified drive to prevent data recovery.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.6 or later
• Linux operating system

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Bolo101/fileRemove.git
   cd fileRemove/code
   ``
   

2. Ensure the script is executable:

   chmod +x main.py

3. Create a symbolic link to use the tool as a system-wide command (fr):

   sudo ln -s $(pwd)/main.py /usr/local/bin/fr

   You can now use the tool with the fr command.

Usage

Securely Delete Files

To securely delete files:

fr file1.txt file2.txt

Securely Delete Directories

To securely delete a directory and its contents:

fr folder_name

Securely Delete Multiple Files and Directories

You can mix files and directories in the same command:

fr file1.txt folder_name file2.log

Specify Overwrite Passes

By default, the tool performs 3 passes of overwriting. To specify a custom number of passes:

fr -p 7 secret.txt

This will overwrite secret.txt 5 times before deleting it.

Wipe Free Space

To securely wipe all free space on a drive (e.g., / for the root filesystem):

fr --wipe /

⚠️ Warning: This process will fill up the disk temporarily. Ensure you have enough space.

Command Help

Use the --help flag to display usage information:

fr --help

Code Structure

project/
├── README.md                    # Documentation for the project
├── code/                
    ├── main.py                  # Entry point for the CLI tool
    ├── secure_delete.py         # Logic for secure deletion of files and directories
    ├── random_generator.py      # Secure random number generator implementation
├── LICENSE                      # LICENSE

License

This project is licensed under the Creative Commons 4 License - see the LICENSE file for details.