Secure erase for data corruption

A method comprising:

• determining, that values stored in a first page of a memory array of a memory device are to be rendered unreadable, the memory array an array of NAND memory cells;
• and
• in response to determining that the values stored in the first page are to be rendered unreadable, rendering the values stored in the first page unreadable by applying a pre-programming pulse to memory cells of the first page without applying an erase pulse, the pre-programming pulse changing a voltage level of each of the respective memory cells of the first page to a same level.

A machine-readable medium, storing instructions, which when executed by a controller of a memory device, cause the controller to perform operations comprising:

• determining, that values stored in a first page of a memory array of a memory device are to be rendered unreadable, the memory array an array of NAND memory cells;
• and
• in response to determining that the values stored in the first page are to be rendered unreadable, rendering the values stored in the first page unreadable by applying a pre-programming pulse to memory cells of the first page without applying an erase pulse, the pre-programming pulse changing a voltage level of each of the respective memory cells of the first page to a same level.