[tor-talk] observation: Browser bundle & secure files deletion

[Joe Btfsplk <joebtfsplk@xxxxxxx>]

I've thought about TBB & it insecurely deleting files such as cache when 
closing TBB Firefox.  I assume this is what happens - I've investigated 
- a BIT - & seems that's what it does.  *Is this correct?*
If true, there's no opportunity to securely wipe the files, rather than 
them being insecurely deleted - unless I'm mistaken.  AFAIK, Tor has no 
secure wiping capability built in.

Don't remember reading in documentation, either that users should be  
aware of this & take appropriate action, or that TBB already handles it 
securely.  Also, no mention of a list of files TBB deletes on shut down, 
that users might consider the possibility of data being recoverable.

If true, the only way to wipe any sensitive info (Ex.:  so a repressive 
gov't can't recover info from HDD), would be use a prgm to wipe free 
space on the partition containing TBB.  If it is installed on a flash 
drive, that could be wiped, but principal is still the same.

Since many users install most everything to C:\ - esp. in Windows  (in 
TBB case, unzip to a folder), then wiping free space process on the OS 
partition - which MAY be the whole HDD for some users, ALWAYS involves 
some risk to file(s) corruption.  I've never had a disaster wiping free 
space, but forums like Eraser, CCleaner & others are full of posts about 
the process (apparently) severely damaging the OS.

If my assumptions are correct,
1) Have TBB developers considered the issue of some deleted info from 
sessions, being recoverable?

2) Other than wiping free space, (which takes time) are there other 
suggestions for avg users to realistically deal w/ this?  It doesn't 
affect me so much, but in repressive countries, it may warrant 
consideration.

I'd think for users wanting to securely wipe free space, it'd be best to 
use TBB on flash drive or a small partition on HDD.  It's possible ? w/ 
a proper list of files, the files in question MIGHT be securely deleted 
BEFORE closing TBB, but many wiping prgms would have problems wiping 
active files.  It probably can be done w/ enough knowledge & right 
tools, but most users aren't aware of steps needed, and would not 
regularly go to that trouble (or forget).

Thanks.
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