Q: How do I remove downloaded files securely?

Scenario: You recently downloaded files from a website. The files may contain your personal information. How do you make sure you have erased all trace of them from your computer?

Examples:

• You downloaded a bank statement from your bank's website
• You downloaded your W-2 form or ePaystub from Atlas
• You downloaded your tax forms from an online tax service (e.g., H&R Block, TurboTax)

Answer

Find the files on your computer and delete them.

On a Mac:

• By default, files from the Internet will be saved to your Downloads folder. You can save files to a different folder by selecting that option within your browser's preferences.

• Open the Downloads folder (/users/yourusername/downloads), or whatever folder you have saved the files to, and highlight the files you want to remove from the computer. Either drag and drop them to the Trash or right-click and select Move to Trash

• Open the Trash. Follow the menu path: Finder >> Secure Empty Trash... This will ensure that the files are deleted using the secure shredding method. Depending on the number of files and their size, this may take a few minutes.

• Also, clear the download history of the browser which you had used to download the file. This will ensure that no trace of the download will be left on the computer.

On a Windows machine:

• When you use Internet Explorer or Safari to download a file to your computer, you are asked where you want to store the file. If you don't specify where you want the file to be stored, programs, documents and web pages are saved in the Documents folder, and pictures are saved to the Pictures folder.

• When you use Firefox to download a file to your computer, documents will save to your Downloads folder by default, or you can specify where you want the files saved in Firefox preferences.

• Open the folder where the downloaded file is stored and highlight the files you want to remove from the computer. Either drag and drop them to the Recycle Bin or right-click and select Delete and confirm.

• Then use a tool such as Eraser to securely delete the files in the Recycle Bin. See the article 'Secure Delete for PC' for steps on how to install Eraser and use it to securely delete files.

• Also, clear the download history of the browser which you had used to download the file. This will ensure that no trace of the download will be left on the computer.