In this edition of The Standards Behind Certus, we take a closer look at one of the most important regulations shaping how organizations manage personal data: the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This blog explains what the GDPR is, how Certus supports GDPR-aligned data erasure, and what this means for your organization.

What is the GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the European Union’s primary data protection law. It sets strict rules for how organizations collect, store, use, protect, and delete personal data. Its purpose is to give individuals more control over their information and to ensure that organizations handle this data responsibly throughout the entire lifecycle.

GDPR is founded on core principles such as transparency, data minimisation, security, and accountability. A crucial part of these principles is the requirement to securely delete personal data when it is no longer needed or when a data subject requests deletion.

Three articles are especially relevant for data erasure:

• Article 5 – Storage limitation

Personal data must not be kept longer than necessary.

• Article 32 – Security

Organizations must protect personal data at all stages, including during disposal.

• Article 17 – Right to erasure

Individuals can request permanent deletion of their data, and organizations must be able to prove that the erasure has taken place.

In summary, GDPR governs not only how data is processed but also how it must be securely and verifiably erased.

How Certus Meets GDPR Requirements Through Secure Data Erasure

Meeting GDPR requirements during data disposal is challenging. Modern storage devices do not fully remove data through standard deletion, and organizations must prove that personal data is permanently erased. Certus supports these obligations by providing structured, verifiable erasure processes.

1. Secure erasure aligned with Article 32

GDPR expects strong technical measures during disposal. Certus applies recognized sanitization methods and verification steps to ensure data cannot be recovered.

2. Documentation for accountability (Articles 5 and 30)

Organizations must demonstrate that personal data was handled correctly. Certus provides detailed erasure records that serve as evidence during audits.

3. Supporting the right to erasure (Article 17)

When individuals request deletion, organizations must prove that the data was removed. Certus offers verifiable proof of erasure for devices and media.

4. Consistency across the device lifecycle

Devices often move through multiple teams or partners. Our software helps maintain consistency and traceability, reducing the risk of residual data.

5. Alignment with recognised standards

By following established guidelines such as NIST SP 800-88 and ADISA, Certus helps organizations meet GDPR expectations for secure data disposal.

What GDPR-Aligned Erasure Means for Your Organization

Using Certus for data erasure helps reduce the risk of data exposure by ensuring that sensitive information on end-of-life devices is permanently removed. Our certified reports make audits smoother by providing clear, reliable evidence of compliance, while consistent, traceable erasure processes support safer IT lifecycle management. 

With automated workflows and flexible licensing, Certus also helps organizations work more efficiently while maintaining GDPR-compliant data disposal across all assets.