Remote wipe is the capability to delete data on a lost or stolen device from a distance. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions and Exchange ActiveSync provide this function for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
A distinction is made between selective remote wipe (only corporate data and profiles are removed) and full remote wipe (factory reset). Selective wipe is preferable on BYOD devices to protect personal data. The prerequisite is that the device establishes a network connection — until then, full-disk encryption protects the data. In the ISMS, remote wipe is among the measures for protecting mobile endpoints (ISO 27001 Annex A, A.8.1).