Seagate unveils fully encrypted HDDs for notebooks

To stop the computer hackers stealing private data stored on any computing device, Seagate Technology on Monday introduced a full-disk encryption technology that is designed to prevent embarrassing breaches and can be built into hard-disk drives.

The powerful new security platform, "Seagate DriveTrust Technology" delivers a simple, cost-effective way to place the highest levels of security for computing systems, computer electronics and mobile devices by protecting data, stored on any computing device.

The technology binds strong, fully automated hardware-based security with a programming foundation that enables it to easily add security-based software applications for organization-wide encryption key management, multi-factor user authentication, and other capabilities that help in keeping digital information safe from unauthorized access.

When the computer first boots up, the DriveTrust Technology automatically encrypts all the data written to the disk, and makes it unavailable to anyone who does not have the correct password.

The Scotts Valley, Calif. based Seagate on Monday also unveiled its plans to introduce the first hard drive with full disc encryption, "Momentus 5400 FDE.2" for notebooks. The drive maker said it would start shipping units to notebook makers sometimes in the first quarter of 2007.

The 2.5-inch, Momentus 5400 FDE.2, (Full Disk Encryption 2) drive with hardware-based full disk encryption allows users access with passwords for self-authentication.

All cryptographic operations and access control are performed by a separate chip within the drive and only a password is required to access the drive.

Seagate, the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hard disc drives, also said that it will open its "DriveTrust" technology to third-party software vendors who intend to combine functions like encryption key management and multi-factor authentication with the drive.

The Momentus will come in units with 80GB, 120GB, and 180GB capacities.

Seagate currently offers DriveTrust-equipped hard disc drive family, the DB35 Series hard drives aimed at digital video recorders (DVRs) and other digital entertainment devices. The DB35 Series discs are the first to enable manufacturers to lock a drive to the system, enabling service providers to deploy DVRs that protect recorded data from illegal copying and distribution if the 3.5-inch, 7200-RPM drive is removed.

What intensified the need of full-drive encryption are the data loss incidences that took place in government agencies and corporations last couple of years. In May, for example, a robber stole a Department of Veterans Affairs notebook and external drive that contained data of more than 26.5 million former and current military members.

Seagate's security breakthrough comes at the time when every significant data such as financial data, digital multi-media content and personal data is stored on hard drives. Stolen data can cost organizations and consumers grievously.

"Securing data on the hard drive is an innovative, yet commonsense approach that will simplify the deployment and the adoption of security for data at rest," said Charles Kolodgy, research director of security products for analyst group IDC. "As storage and security converge, solutions like Seagate's DriveTrust Technology are leading the way by providing organizations with the strong, easy-to-use security they need to protect their data assets."

After rolling out the new FDE.2 notebook drives with a starting speed of 5400 RPM early next year, Seagate expects faster drives to be out several months later.