DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB SSD — 2.5" Internal SATA (SATA/600), FIPS-Certified Self-Encrypting Drive with PBA and MFA

Meet the DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB solid-state drive, a purpose-built solution for data-at-rest security that blends enterprise-grade protection with seamless performance. This 2.5" internal SSD is engineered around a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) architecture, delivering hardware-based encryption without slowing down your workflow. With integrated multifactor authentication (MFA) and pre-boot authentication (PBA), access to sensitive data is tightly controlled from the moment the system powers on. The Citadel K is designed to meet rigorous regulatory and compliance requirements, including government procurement standards, while maintaining the speed, reliability, and energy efficiency you expect from modern SSD technology. In short, it’s a secure, high-performance storage solution that protects data where it matters most—at rest, in use, and during transit.

Security isn’t an add-on with Citadel K—it’s a foundational feature. The drive’s PBA framework ensures that the drive remains inaccessible to unauthorized users before the operating system boots, meaning thieves or malware that try to bypass the OS won’t expose your data. When MFA is configured, access isn’t just a password; it’s a multi-factor process that can combine something you know, something you have, or a biometric factor, depending on your IT policy. This layered defense makes Citadel K an ideal choice for industries handling highly sensitive information, from healthcare and finance to public sectors. The hardware-based encryption for data at rest works in real-time, protecting files, databases, backups, and encryption keys without taxing the host CPU. Because encryption happens within the drive itself, data remains protected even if the drive is removed from a system or stolen, helping to reduce risk in mobile or remote environments.

Performance and practicality go hand in hand with Citadel K. The 1 TB capacity provides ample space for operating systems, applications, databases, and secure archives, while the SATA 6Gb/s interface delivers snappy data transfer rates that keep boot times short and workloads responsive. The 2.5" form factor ensures easy replacement in laptops, desktops, and servers that support standard drive bays, making deployment straightforward for IT teams managing mixed fleets. Operators will notice that hardware encryption runs in parallel with data traffic, so routine read/write operations feel nearly identical to non-encrypted SSDs. This means you don’t have to choose between security and performance; Citadel K gives you both. And because it is TA A compliant, you can confidently incorporate it into environments with strict procurement and traceability requirements.

Beyond the core security and performance features, Citadel K is designed with reliability and manageability in mind. Enterprise workflows demand consistent behavior under load, predictable performance, and straightforward administration. Citadel K’s security architecture integrates with common enterprise IT ecosystems, enabling centralized policy enforcement, auditing, and reporting. The drive’s firmware and hardware components are selected to withstand typical wear in demanding workloads, delivering durable endurance for data-heavy applications, secure backups, and long-term data retention. Organizations can deploy Citadel K across workstations, servers, and remote endpoints while maintaining a unified security posture and easier compliance management—without the need for expensive or complex security software overlays.

• Unified data-at-rest security with multifactor authentication and Pre-Boot Authentication ensures only authorized users can unlock data before the system starts, reducing the risk of offline attacks and data exposure.
• FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive with hardware encryption delivers AES-256-level protection inside the drive, preserving CPU resources and providing strong, standards-based security.
• 2.5" internal SATA drive with SATA/600 interface combines security with familiar, widely supported connectivity suitable for PCs, workstations, and servers.
• TAA-compliant design meets procurement and regulatory requirements, making it suitable for government, healthcare, financial services, and other regulated industries.
• Simple deployment and maintenance—no specialized security software is required; use standard SATA interfaces and built-in PBA/MFA to enforce access control across fleets.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 1 TB
• Form Factor: 2.5" internal
• Interface: SATA III (SATA/600) 6 Gb/s
• Type: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with hardware encryption
• Security: FIPS-certified; Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA); Multifactor Authentication
• Encryption: Hardware-based AES-256 encryption
• Compliance: TAA compliant
• Compatibility: Desktop and server environments with standard SATA interfaces
• Warranty: Please refer to manufacturer details for warranty coverage and terms

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB SSD

• Power down the system, unplug all cables, and prepare your workstation or server with an available 2.5" drive bay or a compatible mounting bracket.
• Connect the Citadel K to the system using the SATA data cable and the appropriate power connector. Ensure a secure connection to avoid any intermittent drive recognition issues.
• Secure the drive in the bay with screws or a mounting mechanism. Verify that cables are routed to prevent interference with other components and cooling paths.
• Power on the system. The Pre-Boot Authentication screen will appear, prompting you to enter credentials or complete the MFA workflow as configured by your IT policy. Follow the on-screen prompts to unlock the drive for the first-time use.
• In the operating system, initialize the drive, partition it as needed, and format the volume. Apply any organization-wide security policies or encryption settings as required. Periodically review and update MFA policies and PBA configurations to align with evolving security requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What makes Citadel K different from standard SSDs? A: Citadel K combines FIPS-certified hardware encryption with built-in pre-boot authentication and multifactor authentication, delivering data-at-rest protection that activates before the OS boots and requires strong access controls, all while maintaining SATA performance.
• Q: Is this drive suitable for government or regulated industries? A: Yes. The drive is TAA compliant and designed to meet procurement and compliance requirements for regulated environments, making it appropriate for government, healthcare, and financial sectors.
• Q: Does encryption impact performance? A: The hardware-based encryption operates independently of the host CPU, providing robust security with minimal to no measurable impact on typical read/write performance for most workloads.
• Q: Do I need special software to manage security on Citadel K? A: No additional security software is required. The drive’s PBA and MFA controls provide access management directly at the hardware level, with optional integration into existing IT policies and management tools.
• Q: Can Citadel K be used in both desktops and servers? A: Yes. The 2.5" form factor and SATA interface are compatible with standard desktops and many server configurations that support 2.5" drives, enabling secure data protection across mixed environments.
• Q: How should I handle key management and recovery? A: Key management and recovery should align with your organization’s security policies. The Citadel K supports multi-factor access controls and PBA reconfiguration via IT policy, and admins should implement centralized key management practices accordingly.