An apparatus, system, and storage medium are disclosed for utilizing data protection by a storage device to minimize loss of sensitive data on a storage medium. The apparatus includes a monitor module, a verification module, and a process module. The monitor module recognizes a write-type command from a host connected to an electronic data storage device. The verification module determines a presence of a passkey associated with the write-type command. The process module processes the write-type command according to the determination of the presence of the passkey. The apparatus, system, and storage medium provide protection of sensitive data at the device level so that a designated protected area on the electronic data storage device is protected against an inadvertent data overlay.