What temperature to permanently destroy data on an SSD?

[rowanf]

I know shredding is the standard sanitization procedure, but out of curiosity, I was wondering if anyone knew.

 

[k1114]

Most components are around 100c max temp. I've seen most ssd spec sheets say 70c operating and 85-95c non operating/storage. A typical oven gets much hotter so it's easy to go a lot higher than that.

 

[rowanf]

I think that's just ideal temps though. I'm talking about totally destroying it.

 

[aldan]

oxy-acetalyene torch.

 

[k1114]

Those ranges are when damage will occur. There was a jedec presentation about ssd data loss and even a 55c power off temp had data loss within 1 week. Surely 100c will be shorter but I'm talking like 200c which many ovens can do. At that point, some solders will even melt. Of course a hammer or torch or other simple ways are always an easy overkill to be on the safe side.

 

[rowanf]

Yeah, but how much data loss? A few corrupted bits here and there, or total loss?

 

[k1114]

Doesn't matter, I'm not saying to put it at 55c. I'm telling you to quadruple that. A temp where things melt.

 

[rowanf]

Even if things start to melt off the PCB, couldn't you just nab the NAND flash out of there and read it in a reader? Thanks for the responses so far though, hah, I know I'm being nitpicky. ^^.

 

[k1114]

No, nand are more sensitive to heat. That's what the temp ranges are from. High temps detrap the charge stored in them, that's the data. They'll lose all data long before anything melts.

 

[rowanf]

Ahhh? And you are sure? Because I know they used to anneal to like 250 °C to repair bad cells, but are you sure that clears out the entire cell or just the electrons that have been caught irreversibly in the oxide?

 

[lakimens]

If I wanted to fry it, I'd put it in the oven and put the temp to max. Microwave would also do the trick, but the microwave won't be usable after that. Another way, is to drill a few holes in it. Get creative, watch some videos on different chemical fires, drop it in a superacid...There are plenty of ways.

 

[rowanf]

Edit

 

[k1114]

I'm no expert at this. I just know what I've mentioned already. This is the first time I heard of this annealing process but I'd assume any nand being baked for repair would have no data on it. I don't see much info about the process.

 

[rowanf]

Ahh, ok. Thanks for the answers at any rate.