Linux Device Erase Script

Problem Overview

When a Linux device is lost, stolen, or decommissioned, IT professionals need a reliable method to securely erase all data and configurations. Manually wiping a Linux machine can be complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple steps. This script automates complete system destruction, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with security policies.

Description

This script is designed to completely and irreversibly erase a Linux device by:

• User & System Data Removal – Recursively deletes /home, /root, and other critical directories.
• Configuration & Credentials Erasure – Removes system settings, SSH keys, VPN credentials, and saved passwords.
• Complete Filesystem Wipe – Deletes /etc (which contains essential configurations) and /server if applicable.
• Total System Destruction – The final deletion of / will render the device completely unusable.

This script is extremely destructive and should only be used when full data removal is required.

Script

#!/bin/bash

# This resource is provided as a convenience for Level users. We cannot 
# guarantee it will work in all environments. Please test before deploying 
# to your production environment. We welcome contributions to our community 
# library

# Level Library
# https://level.io/library/script-linux-device-erase-script


# WARNING: Dangerous operation - Recursively delete files and directories for all users
rm -rf /home
rm -rf /root
rm -rf /etc
rm -rf /server
rm -rf /

Use Cases

• Lost or Stolen Linux Device Protection – Prevent unauthorized access by remotely erasing a compromised machine.
• Decommissioning or Repurposing Hardware – Securely wipe a Linux system before disposal or reassignment.
• Security Incident Response – Quickly remove sensitive data from a system during a security breach.
• Regulatory Compliance – Ensure full data erasure in accordance with GDPR, HIPAA, or other security standards.
• Automated IT Asset Management – Integrate with Level’s automation to trigger secure wipes under specific conditions.

Recommendations

• Pair with Lost/Stolen Endpoint Automation – Automate execution when a device is flagged as missing.
• Test in a Safe Environment – Never run this script on a live production system unless data destruction is intended.
• Use with Extreme Caution – This script is irreversible and will make the device inoperable.
• Modify for Less Destructive Wipes – If only user data needs to be removed, avoid deleting /etc and /.

FAQ

• Can I recover data after running this script?
  ‍No. This script is designed for permanent data destruction. Recovery is nearly impossible without advanced forensic tools.

• Will this format the drives?
  ‍No, but it deletes all files and configurations, rendering the system unusable. A full disk wipe requires dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdX or shred.

• Can this script be executed remotely?
  ‍Yes, it can be triggered remotely through Level’s automation framework.

• What if I only want to erase user data but not the entire system?
  ‍Modify the script to only remove /home and /root, leaving system files intact.

• Is this script compliant with security regulations like GDPR or HIPAA?
  ‍While it ensures data erasure, compliance depends on organizational policies. For full compliance, consider using shred or wipe for secure deletion.

• What happens if I run this by accident?
  ‍The system will become completely inoperable. There is no recovery unless backups exist. Always test in a controlled environment before deploying.