Physical Security of Credential Assets via Compact Propellant-Based Destruction Devices

In recent years, cyberattacks have grown increasingly sophisticated, often combining diverse techniques such as social engineering to infiltrate computer systems and steal classified information. Despite these advanced digital threats, the physical theft of storage devices such as HDDs remains one of the oldest yet most effective means of information compromise, posing significant risks in environments handling national security or highly confidential data. To mitigate such threats, real-time intrusion detection must be complemented by mechanisms for secure data erasure or self-destruction of storage devices. In particular, interest has increased in physically destroying storage devices to prevent information leakage. However, research applying conventional propellant technologies to self-destruction has been very limited. This study presents a compact destruction system that selectively destroys HDDs by utilizing combustion technologies derived from solid propellant systems. Experimental results demonstrate successful damage to HDD shells by thermal stress and destruction of platters. Future work will focus on optimizing safety design to comply with NSA/CSS POLICY MANUAL 9-12 while preventing secondary hazards such as fire spread or blast propagation.