14 DAY TRIAL // Phison and Cigent unveiled a co-developed SSD platform that uses mechanisms built directly into the SSD's firmware to defend against ransomware and data theft. In the event of an attack, the drives automatically encrypt and shield data. This year, everybody will be able to access these self-defense drives, according to Tom's Hardware Report.
Antivirus software can detect known malware and analyze program activity to detect potentially illegal behavior patterns. Custom ransomware created by hacker groups, on the other hand, can go undetected until it is too late, leaving systems vulnerable to attack. In certain instances, it makes sense to encrypt data at the hardware level since it is typically safe from manipulation.
Cigent's Secure SSD K2 and Secure SSD Denali drives use Phison's PS5012-E12DC Crypto-SSD NVMe controllers. Their technology provides embedded firmware-based security features as well as the Cigent Dynamic Data Defense Engine for Windows (D3E).
When a threat is detected, the drives automatically encrypt and conceal sensitive files in safe rooms from the OS layer. Cigent's drives, in reality, can operate in a Dual Mode, that divides an SSD into separate private/secure and non-private storage partitions that are invisible to one another and adversaries. Meanwhile, Cigent's drives have attack detectors and sensors to protect data from physical theft.
Cigent SSD’s can support data security machine learning
Furthermore, the Cigent Denali Secure SSD is able to detect ransomware (though it is unclear if this is done by the firmware or the D3E software) and can support machine learning-based data security.
According to Greg Scasny, CTO of Cigent, "The Cigent Secure SSD product family was developed by Cigent's team of experts in data recovery and cybersecurity working in close cooperation with the cutting-edge storage experts at Phison".
"This combined team developed holistic data protection solutions with security built-in, making it virtually impossible for critical data and applications to be accessed from unauthorized sources. Software-only security is often easily bypassed, but our multi-patented, multi-layered self-defending storage can make critical data completely inaccessible and literally invisible to adversaries, giving customers peace of mind that their sensitive data and digital assets are safely stored and protected".
Cigent's Secure SSDs were previously only open to select government agencies and the United States Army. These new hardware innovations will be made available to a wider public later this year. In fact, K2 Secure SSD and D3E applications are now available, with prices starting from $299 for a 480GB drive. Cigent Denali Safe SSDs will be accessible in the summer of 2021. The drives are available in 480GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.
Furthermore, Cigent has created FIPS 140-2 Level 2-certified Secure SSDs for the US government and military.