I need to run a security erase tool on my drive

Solution 1:

If your SSD supports it, use the ATA Secure Erase command; assuming that your drive is /dev/sda:

1. Boot Ubuntu from a Live DVD
2. Open a Terminal with Ctrl+Alt+t
3. Check that your drive is not frozen: hdparm -I /dev/sda (look for the frozen or not frozen line)
4. If your device is frozen, you can try:
   • Suspend and resume
   • Hot replug the SATA cable (i.e. with the system loaded, unplug the SATA cable an plug it again)
5. Set a user password: hdparm --user-master u --security-set-pass <password> /dev/sda (replace <password> with the chosen password)
6. Check that security has been enabled: hdparm -I /dev/sda (look for the enabled or not enabled line)
7. Issue the Secure Erase command: hdparm --user-master u --security-erase <password> /dev/sda (replace <password> with the chosen password)
8. Check that security has been disabled: hdparm -I /dev/sda (look for the enabled or not enabled line)

This is the best method to wipe a SSD, since Secure Erase runs at firmware level and has access to all the storage areas of the device, while regular software tools don't. For further reading: ATA Secure Erase - ata Wiki and SSD Data Wiping: Sanitize or Secure Erase SSDs? | Kingston Technology