Secure erase for Samsung PM951 NVMe drive (2024)
5 days ago
- #Samsung SSD
- #Data Erasure
- #NVMe
- The author attempted to securely erase a Samsung PM961 NVMe SSD before selling it.
- Initial attempts using `shred` and `blkdiscard` were unsuccessful or not recommended for SSDs.
- Explored using `hdparm` for ATA SSDs, but it failed as the drive was NVMe.
- Tried `nvme-cli` tools (`nvme format`, `nvme sanitize`) but encountered errors due to USB converter limitations.
- Booting a live Linux image allowed `nvme list` to recognize the drive, but `nvme format` still failed.
- Attempted firmware updates via Lenovo tools and `fwupdmgr`, but no updates were available for the PM961.
- Received a suggestion to use `flr=forced` in Blancco Drive Eraser, but the author couldn't test it.
- Ultimately, the drive was not securely erased as intended.