ATA_POLL_THERMITE_RELEASED // always returns 0. Assume 1 if timeout
MarkusWandel · 12h ago
If smartphones can wipe themselves irrecoverably on factory reset by simply throwing away the storage encryption key, why not do the same thing and avoid all the trouble? Surely erasing 512 bits or so, irrecoverably, can be done quickly.
mrheosuper · 6h ago
What if Quantum computer is actually possible ?
MattPalmer1086 · 3h ago
Symmetric encryption, used for data storage only loses about half its key strength to a quantum computer, due to Grover's algorithm.
So if you are using a 256 bit key you're still fine. Even a 128 bit key would still have 64 bit strength, which would still be a huge amount of work to crack, even though theoretically possible.
elchananHaas · 10h ago
Flash chips, unlike hard drives, are highly reliant on their controllers. If you hit it with a hammer the data is unrecoverable. No need for a voltage zap.
beeflet · 13h ago
seems unnecessary with encryption
dafelst · 12h ago
You can be compelled to give up encryption passphrases, either through legal process or by force. If that data is irrecovably and provably erased, that is no longer an avenue for access.
beeflet · 12h ago
put part of the symmetric encryption key in volatile memory
SketchySeaBeast · 12h ago
You know, sometimes security through obscurity works. If you can't find all the pieces you certainly aren't going to retrieve their data.
ATA_POLL_THERMITE_RELEASED // always returns 0. Assume 1 if timeout
So if you are using a 256 bit key you're still fine. Even a 128 bit key would still have 64 bit strength, which would still be a huge amount of work to crack, even though theoretically possible.