Toshiba released the first of its own self encrypting hard disk drives which have the ability to erase data when connected to an unknown host, sources revealed.


System manufacturers with the new Toshiba Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) will be able to configure various data invalidation options that are in sync with multiple end-user scenarios reportedly.


Certain organizations such as governments, financial, medical need to protect data more than others; they will find this HDD very handy as these drives can be used with PCs, copiers and multi function printers.


The features of the model MKxx61GSYG drive include 2.5-in, 7,200 rpm having a capacity ranging from 160GB to 640GB and 16GB buffer memory. The drive uses the serial ATA (SATA) 2.0 specification which can afford up to 3Gbit/sec throughput.


According to sources, the Toshiba HDD and host go through a authentication process, if the authentication fails the disk cryptographically erases all data on the disc permanently or simply denies access to the user.


Also the HDD use the Opal storage specification which allows the creation of an authentication policy so that devices can identify known platform hosts.


The HDD can be used to invalidate data in different ways depending on hosts needs.

ITVoir NewsDesk