Sanitising Screens with Image Burn-in
To remove screen burn-in, display a solid white image on the screen for a long time.
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.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
Aug 2018
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Official control statement
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.
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
- AskThe screen sanitisation schedule: Request a document from IT that details when and how often screen sanitisation is performed GoodIs a regular schedule, showing an effort to routinely prevent screen burn-in
- GoodIncludes messages sent to all staff with clear start and end times for sanitisation activities
- AskAn 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 GoodIncludes a list with statuses for each screen and the outcomes after sanitisation
- GoodIs a policy that includes guidance on white image display durations and frequencies
- AskProcurement records: Check records of recent screen purchases for anti-burn-in features GoodShows a preference for monitors with built-in burn-in prevention technologies
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-1076 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (1) expand_less | ||
| 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... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.