Method for selectively performing a secure data erase to ensure timely erasure

A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium comprising:

• a computer readable program wherein said computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:
• determine an erasure deadline for at least two physical volumes of a plurality of physical volumes;
• calculate a remaining time for each said physical volume by comparing a current date to said erasure deadline of each said physical volume, respectively;
• and
• selectively perform a secure data erase on said plurality of physical volumes in an order based on said calculated remaining time, wherein said secure data erase is performed on said physical volume with a shortest calculated remaining time first.