Technical Instructions
The instructions provided below are to assist you in protecting your information and documents. All documents require a Virginia Tech login before accessing.
Encrypting a PDF Document with Acrobat Pro
Acrobat Pro is commercial software that can be acquired from the software distribution office. This document is a step-by-step tutorial in creating an encrypted document within Adobe's Acrobat Pro, using Windows. This set of instructions is geared towards Acrobat Pro 9, but can be used with other versions.
Use 7Zip to Encrypt a File
7Zip is free software available from the 7Zip website. This guide will show you how to create and encrypt an archive in Windows 7.
Securely Erase Files Using Eraser
Eraser is free software available from the Eraser website. This guide will walk you through securely deleting files using Eraser and the process of erasing previously saved versions in Windows 7. This guide also shows how to securely wipe free space in Windows.
Wipe Drive Free Space on Apple Computers
Apple has included an option in its operating system that allows you to securely erase free space. This is required if you want to ensure that previously deleted files are not recoverable.
Securely Erase Individual Files on Apple Computers
Apple has included an option in its operating system that allows you to securely erase individual files. This is required if you want to ensure that the files you are deleting are not recoverable.
Securely Erase Individual Files on Linux
Most Linux Distributions include Shred, a secure file-deleting tool. This guide will walk you through the process of deleting individual files using Shred.
Securely Erase Free Space on Linux using Secure-Delete
Secure-Delete is a package of tools that is available to install in most Linux distributions. This guide will demonstrate the process of securely erasing free space after deleting sensitive files.
Securely Erase Individual Files Using Linux with Secure-Delete
Secure-Delete is a package of tools that is available to install in most Linux distributions. This guide displays how to erase individual files or folders with these tools.
Securely Erase Entire Drive with DBAN
DBAN is free, open-source software available at Dban.org. This guide will walk you through securely erasing an entire drive.
Securely Erase Entire Drive on Apple Computers
Apple has built options within its operating system that allow you to securely erase the entire hard drive. This guide will show you the process.