DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB Solid State Drive - 2.5" SATA (SATA/600) - TAA Compliant

Data at rest security is a cornerstone of modern information protection, and the DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB SSD delivers enterprise-grade safeguards in a compact, affordable form. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD combines world-class hardware encryption with multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication to create a complete security solution that protects sensitive data from the moment the system powers on. Built for regulated environments and sensitive workloads, Citadel K elevates storage security without sacrificing performance or ease of deployment.

• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA): The Citadel K integrates multifactor MFA and PBA directly within the drive architecture. Access is granted only after successful authentication before the operating system boots, significantly reducing the risk of offline attacks and unauthorized access to data at rest. This unique combination provides strong, hardware-backed protection that software-based solutions alone cannot match.
• FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED): Engineered to meet stringent federal and industry standards, the Citadel K is FIPS-validated, delivering certified hardware-based encryption. Your data benefits from robust, AES-256 encryption performed entirely within the drive, ensuring that even if the drive is removed from its host, the data remains encrypted and unreadable without proper credentials.
• TAA compliant for government and regulated industries: The Crypto-Grade design and documentation comply with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA), making the Citadel K a dependable choice for government agencies, contractors, and other organizations subject to compliance requirements. With TAA compliance, you can deploy this drive in procurement programs that demand traceable manufacturing and verifiable security controls.
• 2.5-inch form factor with SATA (SATA/600) interface: This solid-state drive fits standard 2.5-inch bays and uses the SATA III interface (6 Gbps) for fast, reliable data transfer. While designed for secure data-at-rest, it also delivers consistent performance for everyday workloads, boot drives, and secure data repositories, enabling rapid access to stored information without bottlenecks.
• Low total cost of ownership with hardware-based protection: By integrating authentication, encryption, and management capabilities at the hardware level, the Citadel K minimizes reliance on software-based security layers and administration, reducing operational costs and attack surfaces. This translates into a practical, scalable security solution for small businesses and large enterprises alike.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 1 TB
• Form factor: 2.5-inch solid-state drive
• Interface: SATA III (SATA 6Gb/s, commonly labeled SATA/600)
• Security: Self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware-based encryption
• Encryption: AES-256 hardware encryption for strong data protection
• Authentication: Multifactor authentication (MFA) and Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) built into the drive
• Compliance: TAA compliant, suitable for government and regulated environments
• Certification: FIPS-validated security features (FIPS 140-2-like assurance for the encrypted data path)

How to Install DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB SSD

To install the DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB SSD, power down your system and disconnect all cables. Open the storage bay or laptop/desktop chassis, align the drive with a standard 2.5-inch SATA slot, and secure it with screws. Connect a SATA data cable to the motherboard or SATA controller and attach the appropriate power connector. Power on the system and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to confirm the drive is detected. Initialize the drive to prepare it for use, then configure Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) and set up multifactor access according to your organization’s security policy. In operating systems, format the drive if needed and enable any required management features provided by Citadel’s security suite. For laptops or systems with limited space, you can use a 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter or a compatible caddy that preserves the drive’s security features. Always ensure you have secure backup copies before enabling encryption-related features and verify that firmware and security modules are up to date with the latest vendor instructions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What makes the DIGISTOR Citadel K different from standard SSDs? A: It is a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive that integrates multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication directly into the hardware. This creates a robust, end-to-end security layer that unlocks only after credential verification, protecting data at rest against a wide range of threats.
• Q: Is the Citadel K compatible with typical operating systems? A: Self-encrypting drives with pre-boot authentication are designed to work across major operating systems, with authentication performed before the OS loads. Always consult Citadel’s compatibility guides and your platform’s security policy to ensure seamless integration.
• Q: What encryption standards are used? A: The drive uses hardware AES-256 encryption for data at rest, with FIPS-validated cryptographic processes to meet stringent security requirements.
• Q: Do I need extra software to enable encryption? A: Core encryption and authentication are hardware-based on the Citadel K; no additional software is required for encryption, though optional management tools may exist for centralized administration and policy enforcement.
• Q: Can I install this drive in a notebook or desktop PC? A: Yes. The 2.5-inch SATA form factor fits most standard laptops and desktops that support 2.5-inch drives. Ensure your BIOS/UEFI supports PBA and MFA for optimal security integration and that you have proper mounting provisions for secure drive access.