Returning an SSD can be a tricky process as it may contain sensitive data that could be accessed by someone else. An Igor’s Lab user has discovered an unusual RMA (product return) policy when returning his Samsung 980 Pro SSD. Samsung Germany asked this user to destroy his 980 Pro with a drill or hammer before returning it for RMA. As Igor’s Lab explains, the RMA started in the typical way with the user providing the required information such as serial number, proof of failure, and troubleshooting steps. A diagnostic in Samsung Magician revealed that the drive was failing with various errors in the NAND memory. The next step was to return the unit, but what if the customer is not willing to return the unit as is? This is where things get interesting. After providing a written explanation as to why the unit could not be returned as is, the user discovered a somewhat strange RMA policy. According to messages from Samsung, the customer was asked to “punch the SSD or break it with a hammer”, and to provide photographic or video evidence of the act. The idea was to make access to the data physically impossible, thus ensuring complete data protection. Igor’s Labs gladly agreed and posted a YouTube video of the execution. The video shows the destruction of each of the layers of the NAND, destroying all the data.
