Self-Encrypting Drives: SEDs Protect Data

Drives with built-in encryption

In the digital age, data security is paramount, and self-encrypting drives (SEDs) are indispensable. Securing data from storage to retrieval is possible with advanced storage solutions that integrate encryption into the hardware. This proactive approach provides institutions handling sensitive data with peace of mind by reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance issues.

SEDs

Self-encrypting disks are effective and safe since they automatically encrypt data without the need for software. Unlike ordinary drives that would need separate encryption software, self-encrypting drives automatically incorporate hardware-level encryption into routine operations. Data protection becomes easier and speed is increased when encryption activities are offloaded from the CPU to the HDD.



Fundamentals of self-encrypting drives are essential as companies and customers place a higher priority on data security and privacy. The features, advantages, and installation of self-encrypting disks are covered in this article. Knowing SEDs will help you choose data storage options, whether you're new to data security or trying to bolster your organization's defenses.

Self-encrypting drives: Why Use Them?

Effective data protection solutions are becoming more and more necessary due to cyber threats and sophisticated hacking. Self-encrypting SSDs lessen these risks by incorporating encryption directly into the device. Encrypting data helps to avoid breaches and unauthorized access.

A Higher Risk of Cyberattacks

The sophistication and threat of cyberattacks to both individuals and companies is increasing. Malicious actors use phishing and ransomware to take advantage of gaps in data transport and storage. Self Encrypting Drives protect against these attacks by encrypting data as it is written to the disk and restricting access to it to approved users or programs. Hardware-based encryption is an effective way to avoid data leaks. Encrypted data is unreadable without authentication, even in the event that a disk is physically stolen.

Data Protection Trends

Data protection changes in response to emerging threats and laws. Organizations in a variety of industries are utilizing encryption technology, such as self-encrypting drives, to comply with GDPR, FIPS, and CCPA. Additionally, trends prefer encryption by default, which protects sensitive information both in transit and at rest. This proactive approach, which pledges to shield sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches, increases security and stakeholder confidence.

SED categories

For various use cases and security requirements, SED types offer a variety of features and functionalities. The primary distinctions are in the administration and implementation of drive encryption.

How Do Self-Encrypting Drives Operate?

Auto-Crypting Because drives use hardware encryption, they automatically encrypt all drive data using robust cryptographic algorithms. Using this transparent method of encryption requires no extra software or setup. If login credentials are supplied, the drive's data is instantly decrypted. These concurrent encryption and decryption procedures protect data while it's in transit and at rest, avoiding unauthorized access.

Drives with built-in hardware and software encryption

• Hardware and software-based self-encrypting disks are the two main categories.
• Hardware-based SEDs include encryption right into the disk controller, allowing for hardware-speed encryption and decoding without compromising system performance. Host-system encryption software is used by software-based SEDs to handle encryption operations.
• Hardware-based SEDs are preferred because of their effectiveness and security, even though both types enable encryption.
• Seagate Secure hardware-based encryption, including SEDs, SED-FIPS (using FIPS-approved algorithms), and quick secure erase, is a feature of Seagate Exos X Series enterprise hard drives.

Self-encrypting drives: lock or unlock?

A self-encrypting drive can be locked and unlocked by configuring and managing passwords or PINs. This guarantees that encrypted hard drive data can only be accessed by authorized users or systems. The majority of SEDs include a straightforward tool or interface for safely setting up, updating, or resetting authentication credentials. Self-encrypting drives use strong authentication to safeguard important data even in the event that the physical drive is stolen.

Seagate Benefit: Secure Data Archiving

With its industry-leading, self-encrypting drives that adhere to stringent industry security standards, Seagate is a leader in secure data storage. The following is a list of Seagate SED benefits.

Current Information Technology Integration

Seagate disks with built-in encryption work well with IT systems. In small company or enterprise contexts, these drives integrate into a variety of IT ecosystems without requiring significant overhauls. By leveraging hardware-based encryption, this integration feature reduces interference with operations and enhances data security.

Employing Hardware Cryptography

Seagate SEDs use hardware to encrypt data. Data breaches and unauthorized access can be directly prevented by encrypting the disk controller or drive. Encryption and decryption are optimized using hardware-based encryption without sacrificing system speed.

In accordance with industry regulations

Seagate SEDs are subject to the data security and privacy criteria of the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Opal 2.0. These disks protect sensitive data while it's not in use, complying with GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations. Businesses may protect sensitive data and lessen worries about regulatory non-compliance with this compliance.

Simple Administration and Management

Seagate's simple-to-use tools and utilities make managing self-encrypting drives easier. With these technologies, IT managers can effortlessly oversee encryption keys, access limits, and drive health. Seagate SEDs' intuitive interfaces and powerful administrative features make data security procedures easier to handle.

SED Safety: Are They Safe?

• Self Encrypting Drives are safe because of the drive's unique hardware, which automatically encrypts and decrypts any data written to or read from it.
• The fact that encryption and decryption are transparent and have no impact on system performance is a crucial feature.
• To further enhance security, SEDs also employ security keys or passwords to unlock and access data.
• Software attackers are unable to access SED encryption keys since they are generated and kept on the drive. This design lessens compromise and key theft.
• SEDs that adhere to industry standards, such as the Opal Storage Specification, can be integrated with security management tools and provide extra features like data protection compliance and secure wipe. Sensitive data is robustly and effectively protected at rest with the SED approach.

To what extent are SEDs encrypted?

In self-encrypting drives, AES is employed with 128- or 256-bit keys. The strength and endurance of AES encryption are well known. Sensitive data handlers can feel secure knowing that SED data is encrypted and cannot be accessed without the encryption key.

Seagate Exos X business drives employ the efficacious and secure AES-256 encryption technology. Businesses, financial institutions, and governments all use AES-256 to protect sensitive data.

Which Levels of Encryption Are Available?

Model and setup differences exist in SED encryption levels. Businesses can select the appropriate amount of protection for their data with SEDs that offer many encryption modes, like S3. Full disk encryption (FDE) and hardware are included as standard. All FDE-encrypted data on the drive is encrypted and decrypted by hardware components.

Drives that encrypt backups

In the event of a drive failure or data loss, backup SED data will ensure data resilience and continuity. Disk data is encrypted during SED backups using secure backup mechanisms. These encrypted backups safeguard information while facilitating speedy data recovery for businesses in the event of a hardware malfunction or tragedy. Organizations that frequently backup self-encrypting disks can minimize data breaches and operational disruptions.

Opening SED Power

• To fully utilize SEDs, one must comprehend and make use of their primary attributes and functionalities, which include:
• Utilize the tools provided by the drive manufacturer, such as Seagate Secure Toolkit, to manage and configure encryption settings. Typically, these solutions are used to manage login credentials and passwords.
• Security Software: Integrate security management software that complies with the Opal Storage Specification with the SED. This makes audit logging, policy enforcement, and remote management possible.
• Turn on BIOS/UEFI Management to allow the drive's locking and unlocking to be controlled by your BIOS or UEFI. By needing the required credentials to access the drive during system boot, this increases security.
• Update the firmware of the drive on a regular basis to receive the most recent security upgrades and bug fixes. To find unapproved drive access, keep an eye on and audit access logs, if they are accessible.
• Your SEDs will be simple to use and manage while providing data protection with these strategies.

Suggestions for Implementing SED

SED installation must take into account a number of factors in order to guarantee IT infrastructure performance and integration.

Currently Compatible with IT

Adoption of SEDs requires compatibility with IT systems. Compatibility factors include integration with the OS, hardware, and storage. Self-encrypting drives are low-disruptive during deployment and are compatible with many platforms.

Impacts on Scaling and Performance

Performance may be impacted by encryption while using SEDs. When opposed to software encryption, SED hardware encryption minimizes performance loss. In order to guarantee that SEDs meet present and future requirements for data processing, companies ought to assess scalability options and performance criteria.

Total Cost of Ownership

Total cost of ownership (TCO) encompasses upfront expenses, continuing upkeep, and potential cost savings via enhanced operational overhead and data security. SEDs might be more expensive than drives without encryption, but the benefits of higher security and compliance might offset this.

Easy Configuration and Upkeep

SEDs facilitate deployment and management by streamlining configuration and maintenance. From centralized panels, IT managers may maintain encryption keys, change encryption settings, and keep an eye on the condition of drives. This simplified approach standardizes storage infrastructure security while lowering administrative burdens.