Old laptops, desktops, SSDs and external drives can still contain client data, tax files, health records, passwords, scanned documents, email archives and private business information long after the device has been replaced.
Solway Web Consulting provides secure data wiping, data sanitisation and device retirement support for small businesses, sole traders, professional firms, clinics, agencies, individuals, families and high-trust clients in Sydney CBD and the inner suburbs.
Old devices can still contain client data
Replacing a computer is not the same as removing its data. Factory resets, deleted files and quick formats may not be enough for business devices that have handled confidential information.
Before resale, donation, recycling or internal disposal, old equipment should be assessed and sanitised using an appropriate method for the device type and condition.
What can be wiped
- Retired business laptops
- Desktop computers and office PCs
- External hard drives
- SSDs and removable storage
- Old Mac devices, where technically possible
- Business storage devices, subject to assessment
Some devices may be locked, failed, frozen, encrypted, physically damaged or otherwise unsuitable for normal wiping. In those cases, the result is recorded and alternative handling is recommended.
What the process includes
- Device or drive identification
- Serial number logging where available
- Assessment of device condition and access
- Secure wipe attempt using an appropriate method
- Result recorded for each device or drive
- Certificate of sanitisation or written report
- Advice where wiping is not possible or not appropriate
Devices or drives are returned unless physical destruction or recycling is separately arranged. This service does not claim forensic destruction or legal compliance certification.
Certificate of sanitisation
For each completed job, Solway Web Consulting can provide a certificate of sanitisation or written report that records the device details, serial numbers where available, wipe status and any exceptions.
This gives the business a practical record for internal governance, client confidence and Australian privacy-aware data handling.
When physical destruction may be more appropriate
Physical destruction may be more appropriate where a drive is failed, inaccessible, physically damaged, cannot be reliably addressed by software, or contains especially sensitive information.
If destruction is needed, Solway Web Consulting can advise on the handling path, but will not describe a wipe as successful when the device could not be properly sanitised.
Suitable clients
This service is suitable for accountants, medical and allied health clinics, solicitors, migration agents, mortgage brokers, consultants, agencies, salons, sole traders, home-office professionals, individuals and high net worth families around Sydney CBD, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Potts Point, Woolloomooloo, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Chippendale, Redfern, Waterloo, Zetland, Alexandria, Newtown, Paddington, Haymarket, The Rocks and Barangaroo.
Book a device retirement assessment
If you have old business laptops, external drives or retired computers with confidential files, start with a device retirement assessment.
Ask about secure device retirement Request a cyber security review
See the main Sydney CBD small business IT security page for related services.