Storage vendor SanDisk announced the availability of its first self-encrypting solid state (SSD) drive this week, which utilizes an AES 256-bit FIPS 197 certified hardware crypto engine to enable full-disk encryption.
Built to be compatible with TCG Opal 2.0 (PDF) and Microsoft Encrypted Hard Drive, the new X300s SSD is compliant with industry-standard security specifications including IEEE 1667, SanDisk said.
Additionally, the drive features advanced power management with DEVSLP low-power mode, enabling Microsoft InstantGo and offers encryption without the performance penalty often associated with software-based encryption solutions.
The SanDisk X300s will be available in two form factors, 2.5” 7mm and M.2 2280 single-sided, with capacities of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Capacities up to 512GB will be supported on the M.2 2280 single-sided design form factor to enable thinner computer designs, SanDisk said.
Coupled with a new SSD administration dashboard for easier audit and compliance management, the new X300s also comes equipped with Wave System’s EMBASSY Security Center (ESC) as part of the upcoming SanDisk SSD Dashboard software suite.
Wave’s ESC is a local client application that manages the X300s by determining who can access the encrypted data via user and password set-up.
“Businesses of all sizes want computers that are reliable, secure, built to last and are easy to support remotely,” said Kevin Conley, senior vice president and general manager, client storage solutions at SanDisk. “For the enterprises that deploy hundreds or even thousands of laptops, it’s essential that their IT departments be able to centrally and securely manage these devices.”
In addition to launching the new drive, SanDisk unveiled a third party network of independent software vendors (ISV) for security management.
“Our X300s SSD ISV ecosystem enables a centralized encryption management solution for scalable and cost-effective deployment of self-encrypting drives,” said Tarun Loomba, vice president of client storage solutions marketing at SanDisk. “These solution providers will allow administrators to encrypt data, institute policies, and audit the end point for compliance. Our breadth of partners also ensures that the SanDisk X300s SSD can be a scalable solution for companies ranging from SMBs to large enterprises.”
More information on the SanDisk X300s SSD is available online.
