zeroize

verbcandidate·updated May 11, 2026

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Overwrite a memory location with data consisting entirely of bits with the value zero so that the data is destroyed and not recoverable. This is often contrasted with deletion methods that merely destroy reference to data within a file system rather than the data itself.

Framework senses

4 senses across 3 frameworks

NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 22 sensesview framework →

§1: To remove or eliminate the key from a cryptographic equipment or fill device.
§2 · sense_2_pending_review: Overwrite a memory location with data consisting entirely of bits with the value zero so that the data is destroyed and not recoverable. This is often contrasted with deletion methods that merely destroy reference to data within a file system rather than the data itself.

CNSSI-4009 (Glossary of Information Assurance Terms)1 senseview framework →

§1: To remove or eliminate the key from a cryptographic equipment or fill device.

NIST SP 800-631 senseview framework →

§1: Overwrite a memory location with data consisting entirely of bits with the value zero so that the data is destroyed and not recoverable. This is often contrasted with deletion methods that merely destroy reference to data within a file system rather than the data itself.