Methods, systems, and devices are described for encryption key storage and modification in a data storage device. A portion of an encryption key may be stored in a first storage medium, and one or more bits of the encryption key may be stored in a one-time writable storage location. Data received at the data storage device may be encrypted using the encryption key, and may be stored in a storage medium. In the event that it is no longer desired to allow users to access the encrypted data stored in the storage medium, the one or more bits of the encryption key stored in a one-time writable storage location may be modified. Such modification thereby prevents decryption of the encrypted data and effectively precludes access to the encrypted data.