Optimised ITIn the constant battle with data security, Toshiba has announced a new self-encrypting hard drive which has the ability to automatically wipe sensitive data. Toshiba is claiming that its technology is a world’s first, and which allows enhanced data security for corporations, governments.
The technology itself is simple – when a drive is switched off, Toshiba’s system invalidates the security key which was
used to encrypt the stored data. While the data is still there, there’s no way to access it without the new key – making the data to all intents and purposes gone.
The first drive to feature Toshiba’s automatic wiping technology is a 7,200 RPM 2.5″ mechanical drive, and if successful, Toshiba is likely to extend the functionality to other drives in its range. As well as automated wiping, Toshiba is to implement command-based wiping – making the technology available on demand.
At the moment though, Toshiba is aiming this latest range at manufacturers of printers and photocopiers that feature in-built storage devices in order to prevent cached documents from being leaked when leased systems are returned to their owners or older equipment gets sold off.
Toshiba is marketing the technology as a time-saver for those who already worry about the security of their data and either use overwriting software to scramble the contents of old disks which takes many hours to complete, or that physically destroy drives, rendering them useless for re-use or re-sale.
