An object storage system providing a secure object destruction and deletion service is provided. The destruction and deletion of files can be handled through secure overwriting of files on a storage medium or through cryptographic scrambling of file contents followed by subsequent deletion from a file table. The triggering of secure deletion can be periodically scheduled or dependent upon some particular event, making files self-destructing. Methods and systems for periodic re-authorization of files are also provided, allowing self-destructing files to be persisted in an available state.