A computing device having a cache memory (or “cache”) is described, as is a method for operating the cache. The method for operating the cache includes maintaining, in a history record, a representation of a number of bit errors detected in a portion of the cache. When the history record indicates that no bit errors or a single-bit bit error was detected in the portion of the cache memory, the method includes selecting, based on the history record, an error protection to be used for the portion of the cache memory. When the history record indicates that a multi-bit bit error was detected in the portion of the cache memory, the method includes disabling the portion of the cache memory.