[ale] Letter of Volatility

[Jim Lynch]

On 01/29/2014 01:13 PM, Greg Clifton wrote:
> Maybe this is Off Topic, but it is computer related. So here is the 
> deal, I have a RFQ to quote on some computers to go into a classified 
> application and the customer wants a Letter of Volatility. Now, 
> obviously, the mass storage will be removable, but they are concerned 
> about any memory in the system. I take this to include both volatile 
> SDRAM (DDR3) and any non-volatile memory such as the CMOS for the BIOS 
> (is it possible that some bot could be lurking there that could grab 
> data and send it out when the computer is turned on?).
>
> My question is basically, how long does DDR3 maintain any recoverable 
> data once the power is turned off. I would assume that power should be 
> totally removed (as in unplugged from the wall) so that there is not 
> even 5V standby power, no?
>
> Comments and especially links to solid information would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Greg Clifton
>
>
Dynamic memory is volatile.  I suspect the data remains for a period of 
time measured in milliseconds.  Not nearly enough time to unplug and get 
it to another system.  Unless of course you buy non-volatile DDR memory.

One reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_random-access_memory
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