DIGISTOR Citadel K 2 TB M.2 2280 SATA Self-Encrypting Drive with PBA

Data at rest security gets a makeover with the DIGISTOR Citadel K 2 TB SSD. Engineered for demanding environments, this M.2 2280 drive integrates advanced encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication into a compact, cost-effective solution. It is FIPS-certified and designed to protect sensitive information from the moment the system starts, delivering enterprise-grade protection without sacrificing performance or ease of use. Whether you’re securing workstations, servers, or field devices, Citadel K provides a robust layer of defense against data breaches while maintaining straightforward deployment and management.

• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA): Citadel K combines multifactor authentication with pre-boot checks to ensure only authorized users can access the drive contents, dramatically reducing the risk of credential-based breaches and offline attacks.
• FIPS-certified hardware encryption: The drive uses hardware-based AES encryption backed by FIPS validation, ensuring strong data protection even if the drive is removed from the system. Encryption runs transparently in the background, safeguarding sensitive data with minimal impact on performance.
• Integrated data-at-rest security suite: In addition to encryption, Citadel K offers a complete, low-cost security solution that eliminates separate security layers by combining authentication, encryption, and secure boot into one product, simplifying compliance for regulated industries.
• M.2 2280 form factor with SATA interface: This drive fits standard M.2 slots, enabling broad compatibility with desktops, laptops, and select servers that support SATA-based M.2 devices. Its slim, plug-and-play design reduces footprint while preserving capacity and performance.
• 2 TB capacity for OS, apps, and data: With ample space, you can consolidate operating systems, business-critical software, and large datasets on a single drive, while maintaining responsive performance thanks to optimized data paths and hardware-based security features.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel K 2 TB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 2 TB
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: SATA
• Security: FIPS-validated self-encrypting drive (SED) with Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA)
• Encryption: Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption
• Compliance: TAA Compliant

how to install DIGISTOR Citadel K 2 TB Solid State Drive

Installing the DIGISTOR Citadel K 2 TB SSD is straightforward for most laptop and desktop systems that support M.2 2280 SATA drives. Start by powering down your computer and disconnecting power. If you are upgrading an existing system, locate the M.2 drive slot and remove any existing drive if necessary. Insert the Citadel K drive into the M.2 slot at the correct angle and press gently to seat it. Secure the drive with the mounting screw provided by your motherboard or chassis. Power on the system and enter your BIOS or UEFI settings to ensure the SATA controller is enabled and the drive is recognized. During first boot, you will be prompted to configure the Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) and MFA settings as part of the Citadel security protocol. Complete the enrollment steps as directed by the management interface or security policy in your organization. After the initial configuration, the drive will automatically encrypt data-at-rest and require MFA for access during boot and resume. For laptops, ensure BIOS/UEFI is set to boot from the configured drive and that any security features related to PBA are enabled. If you are integrating Citadel K into an enterprise fleet, use your standard security management tools to enforce MFA policies and monitor drive health and encryption status. Regular firmware updates from DIGISTOR should be applied per your maintenance schedule to preserve security and compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What makes the DIGISTOR Citadel K unique?
  A: It is a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive that integrates multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication directly into the SSD, providing hardware-based protection at rest without requiring separate security appliances.
• Q: What interfaces and form factors does it use?
  A: The Citadel K is an M.2 2280 drive that uses a SATA interface, offering broad compatibility with systems that support SATA-based M.2 devices.
• Q: Is it suitable for government or regulated industries?
  A: Yes. The drive is TAA compliant, making it appropriate for government procurement and regulated environments that require validated data-at-rest security.
• Q: How does PBA improve security?
  A: Pre-Boot Authentication prevents unauthorized users from accessing the drive before the operating system loads, adding a critical barrier against offline attacks and credential theft.
• Q: Can I deploy this drive across an enterprise fleet?
  A: Absolutely. Its integrated MFA and PBA, along with hardware encryption, support scalable deployment and centralized policy management for consistent data protection across devices.