DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe Self-Encrypting Drive with PBA and TAA Compliance

Meet the DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB Solid State Drive, a high-security, high-performance SSD built for modern data protection at rest. Engineered for enterprise and data-centric workloads, this M.2 2280 NVMe drive combines blazing-fast PCI Express performance with FIPS-certified hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication. Designed to guard sensitive information in laptops, desktops, and rugged systems, Citadel C delivers powerful data security without sacrificing speed, reliability, or ease of deployment. Whether you’re safeguarding regulated data, meeting compliance requirements, or simply adding a strong layer of defense for confidential files, the Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD provides a complete, cost-effective solution that integrates security features directly into the drive itself.

• Enhanced data security at rest with a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) architecture. Citadel C integrates hardware encryption, robust key management, and tamper-evident features to protect data even if the physical drive is removed from a system. With multifactor authentication (MFA) and pre-boot authentication (PBA), access to data is tightly controlled and only authorized users can unlock the drive and boot the device. This combination of hardware-based protection and user verification provides a superior level of security for sensitive information and regulated workloads.
• Industry-leading performance in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. Built on the PCI Express NVMe interface, the Citadel C delivers fast data throughput and low latency needed for demanding applications, databases, virtualization, and high-resolution media workflows. The 2 TB capacity is designed to handle large datasets, dense catalogs, and expansive media libraries, enabling rapid file access, quick OS boot times, and smooth multitasking without compromising security.
• Comprehensive data protection with seamless compatibility. In addition to hardware encryption, Citadel C ensures that data at rest remains protected across diverse operating environments. The drive supports common enterprise workflows and integrates with standard authentication and key-management practices. The combination of PBA and MFA helps centralize control, making it easier to enforce security policies and maintain compliance across endpoints, servers, and workstations without adding complexity to the user experience.
• Easy deployment, management, and upgrade path. Citadel C is designed for straightforward integration into existing IT ecosystems. Its self-contained security framework reduces reliance on external software or complex configurations, while its PCIe NVMe performance supports modern workloads. The drive’s security features are managed at the hardware level, simplifying deployment in environments that require strict data protection, rapid provisioning, and scalable encryption with consistent policy enforcement across devices.
• Compliance-ready reliability with a purpose-built security drive. The Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD is designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements while delivering sustained performance and endurance under enterprise workloads. The combination of FIPS-validated SED, TAA compliance, and hardware-based controls helps organizations align with data-protection standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, and other privacy regulations, while also supporting audit-ready operations and secure disposition of drives at end of life.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD

• Form factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: PCI Express NVMe
• Capacity: 2 TB
• Security: FIPS 140-2 validated self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication (MFA), and pre-boot authentication (PBA)
• Compliance: TAA compliant

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD

Installing the DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD is straightforward for most modern systems equipped with an M.2 PCIe slot. Begin by powering down the computer and disconnecting all cables. Open the case or service panel to access the motherboard. Locate a free M.2 slot that accepts 2280-length cards and supports PCIe NVMe. If your motherboard requires a secure boot configuration, you may adjust the BIOS/UEFI settings to enable NVMe drive support and, if applicable, enable Secure Boot and TPM policies to align with your organization’s security posture. Insert the Citadel C into the M.2 slot at a slight angle, usually around 30 degrees, and press down gently until the notch aligns with the key. Secure the drive with the mounting screw, then replace the case panel. Power on the system and enter the BIOS to confirm the drive is recognized. In the operating system, initialize the drive if required and configure any PBA or MFA policies according to your security framework. After boot, you can manage encryption keys and authentication settings per your organization’s identity management strategy. For best results, update firmware if a newer version is available and verify that the drive is functioning correctly under load with your standard benchmarking tools.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the DIGISTOR Citadel C 2 TB NVMe SSD?

  A: It is a high-security, high-performance M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive that combines hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication to protect data at rest. It is FIPS-certified and TAA compliant, making it suitable for enterprise and regulated environments while delivering the speed and reliability of modern PCIe NVMe storage.

• Q: Is the Citadel C compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS?

  A: Yes. The drive is built on standard M.2 NVMe technology and supports common operating systems. Security features such as hardware encryption and PBA enhance protection across platforms, while management and deployment are typically aligned with enterprise IT practices that span these environments.

• Q: What is Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) and why is it important?

  A: Pre-Boot Authentication is a security feature that requires authentication before the operating system boots. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the encrypted data even if the drive is removed or the system is compromised during boot. When combined with multifactor authentication, PBA provides a strong barrier against data breaches caused by stolen hardware or compromised user credentials.

• Q: How does the FIPS-certified SED protect data?

  A: The hardware-based encryption on a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive automatically encrypts data as it is written and decrypts it as it is read, using strongly managed keys. This means that even if the drive is removed from a system, the data remains inaccessible without proper authentication, significantly reducing the risk of data exposure.

• Q: What does TAA compliance mean for this drive?

  A: TAA compliance ensures the drive meets requirements for sale to U.S. government agencies and other entities that must procure products satisfying Trade Agreements Act standards. This makes the Citadel C suitable for government, defense, and enterprise environments with strict procurement and security criteria.