Sanitising Screens with Image Burn-in
To remove screen burn-in, display a solid white image on the screen for a long time.
🏛️ Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
🧭 Control effect
Preventative
🔐 Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
🗓️ ISM last updated
Aug 2018
✏️ Control Stack last updated
22 Feb 2026
🎯 E8 maturity levels
N/A
Televisions and computer monitors with minor burn-in or image persistence are sanitised by displaying a solid white image on the screen for an extended period of time.
Source: ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Plain language
Screen burn-in happens when a static image is displayed on a screen for too long, leaving a permanent shadow or ghost image. This can make screens look unprofessional and hard to use. By displaying a solid white image on a screen for a long time, it can help reduce or remove this burn-in, keeping your screens clear and your team productive.
Why it matters
If minor burn-in or image persistence isn’t sanitised, residual images can obscure content and cause users to misread on-screen information.
Operational notes
When minor burn-in or image persistence is observed, sanitise the display by showing a full-screen solid white image for an extended period.
Implementation tips
- The IT team should schedule regular screen sanitisation sessions. They can do this by displaying a solid white image on affected screens during off-hours when the screens are not in use, such as overnight or on weekends.
- Office managers should ensure everyone understands why screens might periodically show a white image. Communication can be done through emails or staff meetings explaining that this is a maintenance step to keep monitors in good condition.
- Facilities managers should coordinate with IT to identify monitors that show signs of burn-in. They can keep a log of affected screens to ensure all needed equipment is cleaned properly over time.
- Procurement officers should consult with IT before purchasing new monitors. They can ensure that new screens have features that reduce burn-in risk, such as screen savers or automatic shutdown settings.
- IT support should create a simple guide for staff about how to manually trigger a solid white screen. This might involve providing a link to an online white noise generator or a simple software tool they can run.
Audit / evidence tips
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Ask: the screen sanitisation schedule: Request a document from IT that details when and how often screen sanitisation is performed
Good: is a regular schedule, showing an effort to routinely prevent screen burn-in
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Good: includes messages sent to all staff with clear start and end times for sanitisation activities
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Ask: an inventory list of affected screens: Request access to the log of monitors identified with burn-in signs. Look to ensure it is up-to-date with reasonable action timelines
Good: includes a list with statuses for each screen and the outcomes after sanitisation
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Good: is a policy that includes guidance on white image display durations and frequencies
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Ask: procurement records: Check records of recent screen purchases for anti-burn-in features
Good: shows a preference for monitors with built-in burn-in prevention technologies
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1076 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Partially overlaps (1) | ||
| Annex A 7.7 | ISM-1076 requires televisions and computer monitors with minor burn-in or image persistence to be sanitised by displaying a solid white i... | |