Understanding SSD Encryption

Industrial applications often store sensitive data, and preventing the data from being accessed by unauthorized parties is a significant concern. SSD encryption is often the barrier between this sensitive information and those who are trying to access it without the proper permissions. While SSD encryption plays a significant role in preventing data breaches, you should not assume that your SSD has encryption unless you have verified it and taken the time to understand the type of encryption it uses. This look at how encryption works and the kinds of encryption that are available will help you make decisions regarding your application’s security.

What is SSD encryption?

SSD encryption is the process of translating data into a format that cannot be read by anyone who does not have access to the necessary password or processes to decrypt it on a solid state drive, or SSD. SSDs have largely replaced hard disk drives, or HDDs, in popularity because they offer many advantages over HDDs, including better reliability and faster speeds. However, one concern that users have long had about SSDs is whether they could provide an adequate level of security for data. Encrypting and erasing data with SSDs is harder than it is with HDDs, which is the root of these concerns.

Do SSDs feature encryption?

Although the first generation of SSDs did not always feature encryption, many modern SSD devices do. Today, the most prevalent form of SSD encryption is a hardware version called Advanced Encryption Standard, or AES. AES is a form of symmetric encryption in which data are encrypted in blocks of 128, 192, or 256 bits, depending on the model chosen.

There are also forms of software encryption available for SSDs. However, AES has become the preferred standard. This is because software encryption slows down the performance of SSDs, while hardware encryption does not. Typically, AES is combined with other security features to ensure the best possible protection of data on an SSD. Different users may have different security needs, and SSD customization can accommodate these.

If you are looking for an SSD with encryption, contact Delkin’s customer team to discuss your security needs and find the right drive for your application. We’re ready to answer your questions today.  

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