# When data needs to stay gone. > Certified secure data erasure for business laptops, PCs and drives before reuse, resale or disposal, for businesses in Chippenham, Wiltshire and beyond. Source: https://gwbtec.co.uk/secure-data-erasure Secure Data Erasure 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](https://gwbtec.co.uk/contact) 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. GWB Tec **Certificate of Data Erasure** - **Device:** Business laptop - **Serial number:** Recorded - **Storage type:** SSD - **Method:** Appropriate to the device - **Date:** Date of erasure Processed Illustration only ## 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 →](https://gwbtec.co.uk/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. You're on this page 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 Guide ### [Disposing of old laptops safely](https://gwbtec.co.uk/guide-disposing-of-old-business-laptops) Why deleting files isn't enough, and what to do. Supply ### [Business Hardware Supply](https://gwbtec.co.uk/supply) The right equipment, recommended honestly. Protect ### [GWB Tec Protect](https://gwbtec.co.uk/gwbtec-protect) Device protection with optional monitoring. ## 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](https://gwbtec.co.uk/contact) --- GWB Tec (formerly GWBrix) is a trading name of GWBaxter Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Company no. 17269247. Phone 01249 471139 · hello@gwbtec.co.uk · Open 9am to 8pm, 7 days a week.