Hardware-based encryption is an ideal alternative (or addition) to the cloud and helps companies improve the security of their data and meet stringent data protection requirements.
Data is any company’s greatest asset, regardless of industry or company size. Protecting them over the long term, protecting them professionally and limiting access to only authorized individuals should always be of paramount importance in times of increasing cybercrime attacks and globalization. Meanwhile, more and more companies are relying on cloud or automated backup solutions . But there is another effective alternative for anyone who particularly cares about backups and double bottoms.
Today’s hard drives and SSDs can now do much more than just store data. They have many features and capabilities that enhance data security and provide data protection . Best of all: the controls are as simple and intuitive as when using a classic smartphone.
Hardware encryption via SSD
Long gone are the days when external SSDs were clunky, noisy boxes. Rather, today’s generation of devices visually resembles a mixture of a smartphone and an iPod, of course equipped with a touchscreen – but the real highlight, of course, is hidden under the casing.
Kingston® IronKey Vault Privacy 80 from the famous manufacturer from England – a striking example of modern SSD technology. SSD with hardware encryption can be used independently of the operating system and effectively protects against data loss and theft thanks to the firmware with a digital signature. For example, against media drop attacks, in which malware is distributed via infected USB sticks or other storage media, or the brute-force attack popular among cybercriminals.
Thanks to the high level of user-friendliness, operation via the color touch display is extremely simple. For example, file transfers are done quickly and intuitively by drag and drop.
An advantage over the cloud is the ability to assign multiple passwords (e.g. for administrators and “regular” users). Here users have the choice between a passphrase mode or a numeric PIN, with password rules, of course, customizable.
Data and files of all kinds – from important documents to pictures and videos – can then be copied to an external storage medium using the “drag and drop” principle. With the USB cable and adapter included, USB can be connected to computers, laptops or other devices as desired and desired. Also ideal, for example, for employees working at home or in the field who want to secure their data away from the secure corporate network.
Data and password security in the spotlight
The security of these modern drives is extremely high, even if the SSD falls into the wrong hands through loss or theft. For example, to prevent brute force attacks, the drive is completely erased after entering 15 incorrect login credentials. And with 15 attempts, even the best hackers in the world will not succeed if the simple principles of the password are followed.
Passwords can contain up to 64 characters. For example, spaces are also allowed, which makes it easier to remember complete sentences, quotes and phrases and use them as a password. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the PIN entry feature is also available through the input panel. And if a user forgets his password, he has nothing to worry about, as the administrator can easily and quickly restore access.
Last but not least, the two read-only modes protect against unauthorized actions and malware.
Hardware encryption is a problem for small and medium-sized businesses
SMBs especially benefit from SSDs with hardware encryption, such as the Kingston® model shown here. The investment amount is very low compared to cloud-based solutions, which cause not only high upfront costs, but also operating costs. In addition, there is a simple application and benefits for mobile working people. In other words: for anyone who wants to have access to their data anytime on the go, but does not want to sacrifice security.