Self-encrypting HDD achieves Federal security validation

As a result of the FIPS validation, the MQ01ABUxxxBW series is now available for use in government systems and other highly regulated and security-sensitive storage applications.

Toshiba’s SED models are designed to the Trusted Computing Group’s (TCG) industry-standard “Opal” Security Sub-Classification.  This globally accepted standard, implements protocols created to help IT managers, security management application providers and client security professionals manage data security and prevent potentially damaging and costly breaches to sensitive information. In addition, the FIPS-validated model provides tamper-evident labelling for additional security.

Unlike software-based encryption products, SEDs perform encryption securely within the drive’s hardware at full interface speeds. This helps to improve system performance versus software encryption, which performs encryption as a background software task that can negatively impact user productivity.  In addition, SED use eliminates the need for a “re-encryption” cycle during initial client configuration.

The SEDs encryption functionality cannot be disabled - decreasing the risk that security practices required by policy for legal compliance might be put at risk by end-user actions.  The SED wipe technology also ensures systems can be easily and securely cryptographically erased to protect against data breaches when systems are retired from service, re-deployed or returned to a 3rd party service provider. 

The MQ01ABUxxxBW series is currently shipping.