Algorithm selection
Acronis DriveCleanser utilizes a number of the most popular data destruction algorithms. Select the desired algorithm from the drop-down list.
The data destruction methods are described in detail in Hard Disk Wiping Methods of this guide.
After you select an algorithm, Acronis DriveCleanser will perform all the actions necessary to destroy the contents of the selected partition or disk. After this is done, you will see a message indicating successful data destruction.
Acronis DriveCleanser offers you another useful capability — to estimate the results of executing a data destruction algorithm on a hard disk or partition. It features an integrated Disk Editor (hard disk browsing tool).
The aforementioned algorithms offer various levels of confidential data destruction. Thus the picture you might see on a disk or partition depends on the data destruction algorithm. But what you actually see are disk sectors filled with either zeros or random symbols.
Creating custom algorithms of data destruction
Acronis DriveCleanser gives you the opportunity to create your own algorithms for wiping hard disks. Although the software includes several levels of data destruction, you can choose to create your own. This is recommended only for users familiar with the principles of data destruction used in secure disk wiping methods.
To create a custom hard disk wiping algorithm, select and click the Custom… line from the drop-down list in the Algorithm selection window. In this case some new required steps appear in the DriveCleanser wizard and you will be able to create a data destruction algorithm matching your security requirements.
Having created a custom method, you can save the algorithm you created. This will be handy if you are going to use it again.
Loading an algorithm from a file
If you created and saved your algorithm for data destruction while working with Acronis True Image Home 2011 software, you can use it in the following way:
In the Select algorithm window, choose Load from file… from the drop-down list and select the file with custom data destruction algorithm parameters. By default, such files have a *.alg extension.