Linux

shred

DestructiveSecurely erase files

shred -u <file>

Overwrites before deleting to resist recovery. Less effective on SSDs and CoW filesystems — know the limits.

Examples

  • shred -n 3 -u secrets.txtOverwrite three times, then remove

Syntax

shred [-n N] [-u] <file>

Before you run it

Designed to be unrecoverable.

Related commands

  • rmRemove
  • ddBlock-level copy

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