Deferred Secure Delete Buffering for Storage Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure deletion methods for data storage devices are inefficient as they either destroy the device or significantly impact system performance due to the need for repeated overwriting of data blocks, and do not ensure data unrecoverability when the device is used again or goes offline.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a deferred secure deletion method where secure delete commands are buffered and prioritized only when the device is not performing higher priority operations, using a deletion buffer that ensures secure deletion even when the device is offline, and adjusting priority based on buffer fullness to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure delete command is executed immediately with highest priority, then data unrecoverability is ensured, but system performance is significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority adjustment for secure delete commands based on system conditions. The controller monitors a counter that tracks the number of secure delete commands in the buffer and dynamically changes the priority of subsequent secure delete commands based on whether the buffer is below or above a threshold, allowing the system to adapt between security and performance needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent buffers secure delete commands before execution, allowing the system to prepare and queue multiple secure delete operations without immediately executing them at highest priority. This preliminary buffering allows normal operations to proceed while secure deletes are ready to be executed when appropriate, balancing performance and security
2Reliability
If secure delete commands are buffered and prioritized, then data deletion is ensured even when offline, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer as an intermediary component between command reception and execution. This buffer acts as a mediator that stores secure delete commands and their associated counters, allowing the controller to manage multiple secure delete operations systematically without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time priority arbitration with a simpler counter-based mechanism. Instead of implementing sophisticated scheduling algorithms to determine when to execute secure deletes, the system uses a straightforward counter comparison against a threshold to dynamically adjust priority, reducing controller complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of securely deleting data from a data storage device is described. The method includes the steps of receiving a secure delete command to securely delete a file. A data block of the file to securely delete is identified. A pointer to the data block is stored in a deletion buffer. It is then determined whether the secure delete command has a highest priority over other data storage device commands. In response to the secure delete command having the highest priority, the secure delete command to the data block is performed.