How to Secure Empty Trash on Mac Sierra: What You Need to Know

For a long time, users have relied on the 'Secure Empty Trash' feature on their Macs to ensure that deleted data is erased beyond recovery. However, with the release of macOS Sierra, this feature has been removed, leaving many wondering what it means for their data security.

Apple claimed that Secure Empty Trash was capable of deleting data in a way that made it unrecoverable through even the most diligent means. This claim was likely meant to placate users who were concerned about data security and wanted assurance that their deleted files would be gone for good.

However, some experts argue that this feature was never truly effective at ensuring secure data destruction. Even with magnetic media, there have always been ways to recover deleted data using specialized tools and techniques. The introduction of solid-state memory (SSD) has further rendered Secure Empty Trash obsolete, as SSDs do not use magnets to store data.

So, if Secure Empty Trash is no longer an option, what can you do to ensure that your deleted files are truly gone? The answer lies in encryption. By using FileVault to encrypt the contents of your Mac, you can ensure that even if your files are recovered, they will be unreadable without the decryption key.

In addition to encryption, it's also important to remember that data is sensitive from the moment it is created, and should be treated as such throughout its entire lifespan. This means not relying on third-party products or services to securely erase unencrypted data, as these solutions are often unreliable at best.

The removal of Secure Empty Trash in macOS Sierra may seem like a setback for data security, but it's actually an opportunity to focus on more effective methods of ensuring your files are protected. By using encryption and treating all data with sensitivity from the moment it is created, you can rest assured that your deleted files will remain secure.

For more information on how to use FileVault to encrypt your Mac, check out Apple Support's guide on Using FileVault to encrypt the startup disk on your Mac.

How to secure empty trash mac sierra