Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a novel method to securely and permanently wipe data from memory devices. This technology uses ionizing radiation to “imprint” a specific data pattern onto the memory, making previously stored data unrecoverable even after power cycles. This process effectively sets a new, permanent default state for the memory, enhancing data security. The technique can imprint a dataset in seconds, offering a rapid and reliable data sanitization solution.
Conventional memory wiping techniques often leave data remnants that can be exploited with specialized recovery methods. Volatile memory, in particular, can retain ghost data due to imprinting effects caused by environmental conditions or prolonged storage. This can create security risks, particularly for sensitive, highly valuable data.
This innovation introduces a system and method for securely wiping memory devices by imprinting a specific, predetermined dataset using ionizing radiation. The process involves writing a particular dataset (e.g., an all-zero or all-one pattern) to the memory device while it is powered on. Simultaneously, the device is exposed to a controlled dose of ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays or X-rays, which alters the threshold voltages of the memory cells. This irradiation “burns in” the new dataset, causing the memory cells to default to the new data patter on subsequent startups. The technique applies to memory technologies like SRAM, DRAM, ROM, and Flash, and is particularly effective on devices with larger feature sizes (e.g., 150–250 nm), which show up to 96.7% imprinting after a 50 krad(Si) dose. Durability tests show the imprinted data remains largely intact for extended periods, especially in larger feature-size memory, offering both immediate and long-term security assurance.
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TRL: 4
US Provisional Patent
Biswajit Ray
Jessy McGowan
Jessy.McGowan@colostate.edu
970-491-7100