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Secure Data Erasure

When data needs to stay gone.

GWB Tec provides secure data erasure for businesses and individuals who want information properly removed from supported storage devices before equipment is reused, sold, recycled or disposed of.

Ask About Secure Data Erasure

Delete doesn't always mean erased.

Deleting files makes them disappear from normal view, but that doesn't necessarily mean the information itself has been securely removed. Secure data erasure takes a more controlled approach: we assess the type of storage involved and use an appropriate method to securely remove the information from supported devices.

When it's worth doing

Replacing business computers
Recycling or donating equipment
Selling or reusing devices
Retiring old storage

What we can securely erase

Desktop computers & laptops
Hard drives & solid-state drives
External & USB storage
Other supported storage devices

Different types of storage work in different ways, so we don't assume the same erasure method is right for every device.

Proof it happened

Certificate of Data Erasure

For organisations, securely erasing a device is only part of the process. Keeping a record that it happened can also be important.

Following successful secure erasure, GWB Tec can provide a Certificate of Data Erasure confirming that the device has been processed.

Where appropriate, identifying information about the processed device can be recorded so the certificate can be linked back to the relevant equipment.

What if the device doesn't work?

A storage device that cannot be accessed normally may not be suitable for software-based secure erasure. If a device can't be securely erased using an appropriate method, we'll explain the available options.

Where physical destruction or another specialist process is more appropriate, we'll tell you rather than providing a certificate for an erasure we cannot verify.

Two sides of the same problem

Data Recovery and Data Erasure

Data Recovery

You have information you want back. We'll assess what's happened and help determine the safest way to attempt recovery.

Explore Data Recovery →

Secure Data Erasure

You have information you want permanently removed. We'll assess the device, securely erase supported storage and provide certification where required.

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Frequently asked

Secure data erasure questions

Is deleting my files enough?

Not necessarily. Deleting files generally removes them from normal view but doesn't always securely remove the underlying information.

Will I receive a certificate?

Where certification is required and secure erasure has been successfully completed, GWB Tec can provide a Certificate of Data Erasure.

Can you erase SSDs?

Yes, where the device supports an appropriate secure erasure method.

What if you can't erase the drive?

If the device cannot be securely erased in a way we can verify, we won't pretend otherwise. We'll explain the alternatives.

Keep reading

Related services and guides

Retiring old equipment?

Tell us what equipment you're replacing, reusing or disposing of and we'll help you determine the appropriate next step.

Ask GWB Tec About Secure Data Erasure