14 DAY TRIAL // Data encryption is one of the best routes to take if data security is of the utmost importance to you, Toshiba just developing a self-encrypting AES-256 protected 2.5-inch hard drive that is a great deal safer and faster than all other software based solutions found out there.
Available in various sizes, drives from the Mkxx61GSYD family come with special hardware encryption electronics in order to deliver government-grade protection to commercial notebooks and shared desktop PCs, this new line featuring a 7200rpm spindle speed making the drives faster that usual 2,5 inch notebook hard drives.
Furthermore, by going with a hardware encryption solution, the drives don't suffer from speed losses, the user data being encrypted at full I/O speeds as it is transferred to the disk media, the whole process being also more secure compared to that of software based solutions.
Based on the Opal Security Subsystem Class (Opal SSC) specifications, the encryption system provide users with advanced access authentication and built-in hardware data encryption, this algorithm being certified by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) trough its Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program.
“Data is at the heart of business success, so it is critical that organisations are proactive in ensuring their valuable customer data does not fall into the wrong hands,” Martin Larsson, Vice President, Toshiba Europe, Storage Device Division.
“Strong data encryption and access authentication provide the foundations for meeting the “safe harbour” provisions of privacy protection laws.
The MKxx61GSYD helps businesses to protect their data assets by utilising the Opal SCC specification, a global standard which is broadly supported by leading security solutions providers.
Users will benefit from richer security capabilities, in addition to optimum application performance,” concluded the company rep.
Available in sizes ranging from 160GB to 640GB, the new Mkxx61GSYD drives will enter mass production in Q1 2011, although samples are available right now.
Unfortunately, no informations regarding pricing was disclosed by Toshiba at this time.