Toshiba Self-Encrypting HDDs Get Even Better Security

It would appear that advancements in the field of data security never cease, with Toshiba being, this once, the one responsible for the existence of a new and improved collection of self-encrypting hard disk drives.

Toshiba decided to take the industry-standard Trusted Computing Group “Opal” Specification and evolve it into something more.

It is that refined technology that ended up servicing the Mkxx61GSYG HDDs, which should be able to protect against data lost.

The new HDDs are intended for not just desktop PCs and notebooks, but also for multi-function printers and point-of-sale systems used in medical, financial or government applications.

Basically, the self-encrypting drives (SEDs) can be configured with various data validation options, each aligned with various end-user scenarios.

Targeted data in the drive can be rendered impossible to decipher by command or on host authentication error, as well as on power cycle.

All in all, there should be much lower risk of data theft in case the drive is removed from the defined host machine and connected to an unknown system.

“Digital systems vendors recognize the need to help their customers protect sensitive data from leakage or theft,” noted Scott Wright, product manager, Toshiba Storage Device Division.

“Toshiba’s security technologies provide designers of copiers, printers, PCs, and other systems with new capabilities to help address these important security concerns.”

The new series of HDD includes models with capacities of 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB, all of which have cache memory of 16 MB and a platter rotary speed of 7,200 RPM (rotations per minute).

They utilize the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm and measure 69.85 x 100.0 x 9.5 mm. The seek time is of 12ms (on SATA 3.0 Gbps).

Unfortunately, prices were not specified in the official announcement, though sample and volume production should start this quarter (Q2, 2011).