Toshiba launches Wipe to clean end-of-life kit

Toshiba has added security tools to its self-encrypting hard drives allowing customers to wipe sensitive data from rented kit or equipment that is due for sale or disposal.

The firm said that its Wipe technology can reduce the risks associated with selling or recycling copier and printer equipment, which it said are as necessary to protect as laptops and other enterprise hardware.

Toshiba released a similar feature for notebooks and laptop drives last month, and has now added to its range for enterprises.

Wipe can securely erase data when a system is powered down, or as it is removed from the system. Toshiba added that it could be used to erase data prior to the return of any leased hardware, or when disposing of or repurposing kit.

The technology is a new feature for Toshiba's 2.5in 7200rpm self-encrypting hard drives pitched at enterprise IT departments that must comply with privacy and security laws.

Wipe clears the data on hard drives by invalidating the security key when the power supply is interrupted.

Toshiba told V3.co.uk that Wipe is a firmware update that is yet to be activated on any of its drives. It could not confirm which of its units it would be added to but did say it had plans to roll it out across its HDDs.