Toshiba targets enterprise with first self encrypting hard drive

Toshiba has launched its first self-encrypting hard drives designed to help organisations secure data and offer peace of mind in case physical devices are lost or stolen.

The five models range from the entry level MK1661GSY, which offers 160GB of storage, to the MK6461GSY with 640GB.

Security comes in the form of AES 256 encryption and data wipe technology. Every time the drive is connected to a host, it performs an authentication process. If this procedure fails, the drive can be configured to simply deny access or erase sensitive user data.

IT administrators can set up multiple policies, so the drive can be programmed to automatically wipe protected data if it is connected to an unknown host, for example.

The drives are suited for use with PCs, copiers, multi-function printers and point-of-sale systems, Toshiba said.

All drives come with dimensions of 69.85 x 100 x 9.5mm and have a maximum weight of 115g. They are equipped with a SATA interface and have a transfer speed of 3Gbit/s, a 12ms seek time and run at 7,200rpm.

The 160GB, 250GB and 320GB models come with one platter, and the 500GB and 680GB editions have two.

Customer sampling and mass production is set to start in the second quarter, but Toshiba has yet to confirm exact pricing.

Data is the most valuable asset for businesses today and protecting it from falling into the wrong hands as a result of leakage or theft is a must, explained Martin Larsson, vice president of Toshiba Europe's storage device division.

"Toshiba's enhanced security technology has been engineered to deliver businesses with the assurance they need that any device storing confidential data, be it copiers, printers or PCs, remains protected at all times, allowing them to maintain control of valuable data," he said.