Assume that I fully encrypt an unused USB (FDE), then format it and copy plaintext files. If the files are deleted from USB by using a secure wipe, does FDE that was first applied decrease the possibility of recovering files?
1 Answer
Not really, no.
I'm reading this version of the question as
I fully encrypt an unused USB (FDE), then format it
equivalent to randomize then format. Then
files are deleted from USB by using a secure wipe
boils down to simply how good your secure wipe functions. The past history of the media can make manual examination a little bit more difficult as zeroes are easier to filter out than random. But the bottom line is still how well your secure wipe functions.