CISSP · Question #394
Which of the following media is least problematic with data remanence?
The correct answer is C. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). Data remanence refers to the residual representation of data that remains even after attempts to erase it. Volatile memory is least susceptible because it loses its data when power is removed.
Question
Which of the following media is least problematic with data remanence?
Options
- AMagnetic disk
- BElectrically Erasable Programming read-only Memory (EEPROM)
- CDynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
- DFlash memory
How the community answered
(30 responses)- A3% (1)
- C93% (28)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
Data remanence refers to the residual representation of data that remains even after attempts to erase it. Volatile memory is least susceptible because it loses its data when power is removed.
Magnetic disks are highly susceptible to data remanence because magnetic domains can retain residual fields even after overwriting, often requiring multiple-pass wiping or degaussing to fully sanitize.
EEPROM is non-volatile memory that retains data without power, and its cells can retain residual charge states after erasure, making data remanence a significant concern requiring specialized sanitization.
DRAM is volatile memory, meaning it requires continuous electrical power to retain data. Once power is removed, the capacitors that store the bits discharge and data is lost almost immediately, making data remanence a minimal concern compared to non-volatile storage media.
Flash memory is non-volatile and stores data in floating-gate transistors that retain charge indefinitely without power, making it prone to data remanence and requiring secure erase commands or physical destruction for proper sanitization.
Concept tested: Data remanence across volatile and non-volatile media
Source: https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-88/rev-1/final
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