Create a DBAN bootable USB using the YUMI Multiboot tool. Easily run DBAN from a USB flash drive using Windows or WINE from within Linux. Darik's Boot and Nuke is a simple bootable data destruction tool. It can be used to securely wipe an entire hard drive or an attached external disk (IDE or SCSI). It works by completely deleting all contents of the disk.
By following along, anyone should be able to install, boot and run this drive data destruction tool from a USB device.
DBAN Bootable USB Flash Drive
Here is a screenshot of (Darik's Boot and Nuke) running from a Bootable USB drive.
- Distribution Home Page: Project Page
- Developer: Originally created by Darik Horn
- Release Date: DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) was first released in 2002
- Persistent Feature: No (Unnecessary)
What is DBAN?
DBAN, or Darik's Boot and Nuke, is a popular open sourced software designed to securely erase hard drives. It is commonly used for data destruction and disk wiping from external bootable media. Its most notable features include:
- Secure Hard Drive Data Erasure: DBAN is known for its ability to securely and thoroughly erase data from a hard drive. It uses various methods, including different data patterns and algorithms, to overwrite existing data multiple times, making it extremely difficult or practically impossible to recover the original information.
- Portable Hard Drive Eraser Tool: it is typically used as a portable stand alone bootable tool, meaning you can run it from a USB flash drive other bootable media without the need for an operating system. This allows you to wipe the hard drive without any interference from the operating system that was previously installed on it.
- Multiple Disk Data Wiping Methods: It provides different disk data wiping methods, such as DoD Short, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and others. Users can choose the method that best suits their security requirements. The number of passes and the complexity of the data patterns used in each method vary.
- Open Source Hard Drive Eraser: Darik's Boot and Nuke is open source software. The source code is always freely available for inspection, modification, derivation, and of course redistribution. This transparency allows security experts to review the code for vulnerabilities and anyone to contribute to its improvement, derive your own work from it, and redistribute this hard drive eraser, completely free of charge.
It's important to note that while a DBAN bootable USB is effective for general data wiping or hard drive erasing purposes, it may not be suitable for all scenarios, especially when dealing with modern solid state drives (SSDs) or certain storage technologies that have built in wear leveling and secure erase features. Users should consider the specific requirements of their data destruction needs and research the compatibility of this data destruction software utility with their particular storage devices.
Essentials to Make a DBAN Bootable USB
- Windows PC or use WINE from Linux
- dban*.iso
- Fast USB Thumb Drive
- YUMI (does the conversion)
How to Create a DBAN Bootable USB Drive
To make a (Dariks Boot and Nuke) DBAN Bootable USB drive using YUMI from within Windows or running YUMI from Linux:
- Download and launch the YUMI Multiboot USB Maker
- (1.) Choose your flash drive from the drop list of USB devices.
(2.) Select "DBAN (Hard Drive Nuker)" from the list of distributions.
(3.) Browse to your ISO, and then click Create.
- Once YUMI has finished with the DBAN bootable USB installation:
(1.) Restart your PC.
(2.) During system post, use a hotkey to enter BIOS or UEFI.
(3.) Set your BIOS or Boot Menu to boot from your flash drive.
(4.) Then, save your changes and proceed to reboot.
(5.) Upon startup, you should be presented with a YUMI menu, where you can choose to boot DBAN from USB.
If all went well, you should now be booting from your DBAN bootable USB.
Notes: At least with older versions, the autonuke feature may also Nuke the flash drive and as usual, any other drive it detects. To prevent the autonuke feature from wiping the thumb drive, Pendrive Linux subscriber Lee Sonko suggests the following:
Remove your thumb drive after the Hard Drive Nuker has loaded, but before it has started wiping drives.
DBAN Frequently Asked Questions
- How does DBAN work?
- This data deletion tool uses various data wiping methods, including DoD Short, DoD 5220.22-M, and Gutmann. These methods overwrite the data on a disk using different patterns and algorithms to ensure secure erasure.
- Can DBAN wipe SSDs?
- No, it should not be used to wipe SSDs as they use wear leveling and may have built in secure erasure features. SSDs require specialized tools for secure erasure.
- Why can't DBAN be used to wipe SSDs?
- DBAN is not suitable for SSDs (Solid State Drives) primarily because of the way SSDs store and manage data. Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), SSDs use wear leveling, which ensures that memory cells are used evenly to prevent premature wear. This makes it difficult for traditional wiping tools to overwrite data in the same way they would on an HDD. Additionally, SSDs often support features like the TRIM command, which automatically clears unused data blocks, making conventional overwriting methods ineffective.
Furthermore, many SSDs support their own "secure erase" commands that trigger the device’s internal mechanisms to securely wipe the drive. These commands are typically more reliable and efficient. For securely wiping SSDs, consider using tools like GParted or manufacturer specific utilities (e.g., Samsung Magician or Intel SSD Toolbox), which are better suited for this purpose.
- What is the best alternative to DBAN?
- If you're working with SSDs or want a more modern solution, consider making a GParted bootable USB. GParted is a free and open source partition editor that can delete partitions, effectively wiping data. While it does not specifically perform secure erasure, it's a great tool for preparing drives, especially when combined with other methods like the manufacturer's secure erase utilities.
- Is DBAN free to use?
- Yes, it is open source and completely free to use. You can download, use, and modify it as needed without any cost.
- How can I create a DBAN bootable USB drive?
- To quickly create a DBAN bootable USB drive, you can use the YUMI Multiboot USB tool. Download the DBAN ISO, launch YUMI, select your flash drive, and choose DBAN from the list of distributions. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- Can DBAN erase external drives?
- Yes, it can be used to erase some external drives, such as NAND-based USB flash drives and external non-SSD hard drives connected to your system.
Final Thoughts
DBAN is a reliable and widely used tool for securely erasing data from hard drives, especially when you need to protect sensitive information or prepare a drive for disposal or resale. While it may not be suitable for SSDs, it's an excellent choice for traditional hard drives. If you're working with newer drive technologies or require a more comprehensive solution, consider alternatives like GParted. Just remember to back up any important files before using data destruction tools, as the process is irreversible.