What is the ideal data deletion method to ensure sensitive information is gone?

Thoroughly deleting and overwriting data is considered the ideal method for ensuring that sensitive information is permanently removed from a storage device. This method involves not just removing the file references but actually writing new data over the locations where the sensitive data was stored. By overwriting the original data, it becomes exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for recovery tools to restore the erased information.

When sensitive data is simply deleted or the recycle bin is emptied, the file allocation table may still contain references to the original files, meaning they can potentially be recovered with data recovery tools. Formatting the hard drive may remove the directory structures and can appear to delete the data, but it typically does not remove the underlying data itself and can also be recoverable. While using deletion software tools can enhance the process by potentially implementing various secure erasure techniques, thorough overwriting is the most robust method, often recommended for highly sensitive information.

Therefore, thoroughly deleting and overwriting data is the best practice to ensure complete, irreversible data elimination.