High Density Devices: Adapter to Encrypt SATA HDDs

High Density Devices releases a product for encryption of data at rest. It enables easy encryption and protection of data stored on existing and new hard drives (with serial interface – SATA) in e.g. desktop PCs, copy machines, fax machines, USB-based storage units, and other applications where sensitive data is processed and stored.

The adapter is installed between the motherboard and the storage media (standard interfaces), to provide for encryption of all data at rest. The encryption solution incorporates the company’s patented and certified [hiddn] Crypto Module, opening for highly robust and user friendly data protection. From now on, there is no need to worry about the data stored on workstations or on office copiers. The [hiddn] SATA Adapter requires no additional software, it operates transparently without the need for user intervention, encrypts without affecting the system’s performance, and is Operating System independent.

Organizations and corporations today process and store tremendous amounts of data, much of which is sensitive; workstations are operated by multiple users, the copier stores everything copied, the fax machine stores everything sent, and the majority use backup-drives. However, do the users ever think about whether or not these storage units are at all times protected? The storage units could contain e.g. customer records, patient journals, financial data, confidential contracts, strategically important analyses, or personal information that should not end up in the hands of unauthorized people.

The media today focus increasingly on cases of data breaches, and data loss could have severe consequences for both the affected individuals and for the organization or corporation causing the data breach. Financial damages and loss of brand value are just two potentially devastating risks of e.g. selling a copy machine where the internal drive was filled with sensitive data, or to have an unencrypted corporate workstation stolen in a burglary.

Would you sleep tonight if your data was lost or stolen?
The [hiddn] SATA Adapter is a standalone solution for protection of all data at rest, the encryption keys are stored on a separate smartcard, and no software or user training is required. The product is delivered either as an OEM product ready for integration into other manufacturers’ solutions (e.g. copy machines), as an independent product with hard drive connected, or as an end-user product enclosed as an external storage unit for direct connection to the computer. The Adapter can also be connected to SSDs.

"HDD is in a very exciting place at the moment, and we are very proud to offer the market this exclusive product for protection of hard drives. Protection of data is a top priority for HDD, and our cost effective and user friendly [hiddn] products meet all requirements for protection of sensitive data", states CEO of High Density Devices, Mr. Olav Stokke, and adds: "Only through encryption of all data at rest will a corporation be assured that the integrity of its customers’ and clients’ data is maintained and remains inaccessible should the storage media be lost or stolen. HDD has solutions for internal, external, and mobile storage media, and in our opinion, only hardware-based encryption can offer the total, secure, and efficient protection demanded by customers and clients today".

By implementing the [hiddn] SATA Adapter in e.g. a copier (OEM), the unit can remain active in the copier, with the smartcard inserted, as long as the copier is operable. Once the copy machine is to be sold or returned, simply remove the smartcard and the encrypted data on the hard drive is guaranteed inaccessible, at all times. This will also provide for a guaranteed secure recycling of the copy machine (through a new smartcard with new encryption keys).

The [hiddn] SATA Adapter (SA) has the same form factor as a standard 2.5" drive, and can be installed on the back of a drive. The SA is delivered either with a frontal smartcard reader or on the side (or both, if preferred) for ease of integration in e.g. USB enclosures or other mechanical solutions.

The [hiddn] SATA Adapter is available in a limited volume during June 2010, and in normal volume production during July 2010.