Systems and methods that facilitate processing data, such as by encryption/decryption, and storing and retrieving data to/from memory such that actual data can be distinguished from information associated with, or representative of, erased/blank memory locations. A processor can include a comparing component that compares information input to the processor to determine whether such information is associated with actual data, or associated with, or representative of, erased/blank memory locations. Information associated with, or representative of, an erased/blank memory location can be processed so that it can be interpreted as such by other components. If actual data is processed such that the comparing component interprets the processed data to be equivalent to an erased/blank memory location, then the data can be re-processed, so it is not interpreted as such, before being forwarded to its next destination.