Known as Wipe, the integrated drive technology automatically erases the contents of the hard disk when it is removed from the system or when it is powered off without suitable commands.

Rather than pro-actively wiping the drive, which takes time, Wipe invalidates the hard drive security key, effectively instantly scrambling the contents.

According to Toshiba, the feature can also be used to securely erase user data prior to returning a leased system, system disposal or re-purposing the unit.

Interestingly, although Wipe was created as an enhancement to Toshiba's Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) hard disk drives, the firm acknowledges the drives can be used in devices other than computers, such as office copiers.

Infosecurity discussed the digital copier security risk issue with Canon earlier this year and officials there said that the majority of office digital copier systems use drives that are not encrypted.

The good news is that Toshiba says that copier and printer vendors can now use the Wipe technology to securely invalidate sensitive document image data by automatically erasing the SED's internal encryption key.

This feature, says the Japanese electronics giant, can easily be used prior to system disposal or re-purposing to ensure that private data never leaves the control of the responsible business unit or IT department.