Protecting sensitive data isn’t just about securing live systems, it’s also about ensuring that no traces are left behind when an endpoint is lost, stolen, or decommissioned. Simply deleting files or resetting a drive doesn’t guarantee complete and forensic data removal. That’s where SecureWipe comes in.
SecureWipe is a FirmGuard feature that remotely erases endpoint HDD, SSD, and other mass storage devices. It is triggered from the FirmGuard Portal and forensically erases all data and partitions independent of the operating system (OS), providing a Certificate of Erasure (CoE) when the wipe is complete. It is a must-have for IT teams that need to protect client data, meet compliance requirements, and securely recycle or dispose of devices.
Here are the top three use cases where SecureWipe delivers critical security and compliance benefits.
Wipe a Stolen or Lost Endpoint to Prevent Data Breaches
Eliminate the Risk of Compromised Data When a Device is Lost
Laptops and other mobile devices are prime targets for theft, especially when employees travel, work remotely, or use company devices in public places. When an endpoint is lost or stolen, the biggest risk isn’t the hardware, it’s the sensitive data stored on the device. So, how can IT teams prevent financial records, confidential business documents or even trade secrets from falling into the wrong hands?
The answer is of course SecureWipe. As highlighted in this customer case study, IT teams can remotely issue a wipe command with just a few clicks. The moment the stolen device connects to the internet, even for a moment, the process is complete and SecureWipe automatically generates a Certificate of Erasure (CoE), providing verifiable proof that the wipe was successfully executed.
For organizations with remote workers, executives handling sensitive information, or employees using laptops in high-risk environments, SecureWipe is an essential security measure that protects against data breaches and compliance risks.
Meet Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Requirements
Provide Documentation that Proves Data Was Securely Erased to Pass Regulatory Scrutiny
For businesses in regulated industries, such as finance, healthcare, and legal services, secure data disposal isn’t just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement. Organizations must comply with a complex web of regulations including HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS for financial services, and FISMA for federal government work. Beyond these federal mandates, many states enforce their own data protection laws, adding further compliance challenges.
Most of these regulations refer to industry-standard frameworks like NIST SP 800-88 (Guidelines for Media Sanitization) and ISO standards, which outline detailed protocols for properly disposing of sensitive data.
SecureWipe is designed to meet these rigorous ISO and NIST standards, ensuring that IT teams can confidently and compliantly handle data sanitization. A critical aspect of these standards is audit-ready documentation; proof that sensitive data has been securely erased and cannot be recovered. That’s why SecureWipe generates a Certificate of Erasure (CoE) after each wipe. The CoE is the most important piece of documentation regulators demand in the event of an audit or suspected data leak. It provides crucial details including the target device, who performed it, when it was performed, and which erase method was used.
For IT administrators, having instant access to detailed reports is essential when responding to regulatory inquiries or potential data leakage incidents. SecureWipe’s automated documentation helps organizations avoid steep fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
Even for businesses without strict legal obligations, following best practices for data disposal is still important. With SecureWipe, organizations can achieve the highest level of data sanitization available, ensuring that no sensitive information lingers, waiting to be compromised.
Securely Recycle or Dispose of an Endpoint
Ensure Sensitive Data is Erased Before Retiring Old Devices
When an organization retires, recycles, donates, or sells old devices, it’s critical to permanently erase all data before the hardware leaves company control. Simple deletion methods, such as Windows reset, do not fully remove data and therefore someone with access could recover business-critical information. On the other extreme is physical destruction which is unlikely to lead to any data leakage. However, it is a draconian measure that precludes donation or any additional use of the device. This is not only wasteful but also environmentally unfriendly. FirmGuard SecureWipe falls squarely in between and performs a forensic wipe with no compromises. The data is completely erased and unrecoverable while at the same time the device can be reused in any way needed.
The accompanying table shows all three options and defines them based upon the “clear”, “purge” and “destroy” nomenclature laid out in the definitive government guideline for media sanitization: NIST SP 800-88.
Comparison Chart
| Windows Reset | SecureWipe | Physical Destruction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIST 800-88 Definition | Clear |
Purge
|
Destroy |
| No Data Recoverable | |||
| Wipe Stolen Endpoint | |||
| Execute Wipe Remotely | |||
| Certificate of Erasure/Destruction Provided | |||
| Low Cost | |||
| Can Reuse Endpoint | |||
| Endpoint Never Leaves Client Office |
Get Started with SecureWipe Today
Data security extends beyond live systems and includes protecting what’s left behind when a device is lost, stolen, or decommissioned. SecureWipe gives IT teams complete control over data sanitization while ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards. SecureWipe is used remotely so no physical access to the device is required, and it forensically wipes the endpoint such that no data is recoverable. Furthermore, it provides a Certificate of Destruction (CoE) that is invaluable for regulatory compliance.
