Data Wipe Tool

Purpose & User Intent: The Data Wipe Tool securely erases residual data by overwriting target storage with configurable patterns. It supports files, directories, database records, and disk regions, enabling safe disposal, data minimization, and privacy compliance. Primary users are IT admins, data managers, security professionals, and compliance officers who must demonstrate verifiable data erasure for audits, asset retirement, or responding to data subject requests. Use cases include sanitizing a folder before archiving, wiping a database table after deletion, or preparing a disk image for reuse without leaking sensitive information.
Core Logic & Features: The tool enforces a structured workflow with required inputs (target identifier, scope, erase method) and optional advanced controls (passes, parallelization, scheduling, pattern customization). It implements standard methods such as zero-fill, random-fill, and multi-pass schemes like DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann, with post-wipe verification via read-back checks or checksums and an auditable report. It supports file-level wipes, directory sweeps, database-level deletions, and raw-disk region erasures, applying appropriate strategies per target type while preserving data integrity.
Inputs & Outputs: Inputs include target_type (file, directory, table, disk_region), target_id, scope, method, passes, verify, and output_format. Outputs provide status, bytes_erased, verification_result, and an exportable report in JSON or CSV. Algorithms & Calculations: Each pass overwrites with the chosen pattern; verification compares bytes or hashes; DoD and Gutmann modes rely on non-repeating patterns. Final results are recorded in an auditable chain for compliance.
Error & Edge Cases: Handles missing inputs, unsupported targets, insufficient permissions, open handles, and partial writes. If a wipe is interrupted, results are marked failed with partial metrics. Localization: Units in bytes and human-friendly prefixes; date/time in locale format; compliance references to GDPR/HIPAA as applicable. Assumptions & Exclusions: Assumes legal applicability of overwrite methods; does not cover hardware-based destruction, cryptographic erasure, or physical disposal; not guaranteed on all media types.