A system for protecting data stored in a memory of a removable data storage device is provided. The system includes a personal electronic device, a removable solid state data storage device operatively coupled to the personal electronic device, and a circuit including a data protection module and an authorization module. The data storage device includes a memory for storing data. The authorization module is configured to determine whether a preauthorized state is active. When the preauthorized state is not active, the data protection module is configured to protect at least some of the data stored in the memory in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device. When the preauthorized state is active, the data protection module is configured to preserve certain data stored in the memory in response to detecting impending removal of the data storage device from the personal electronic device.