DIGISTOR Citadel K 512 GB NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 Solid State Drive – Data-At-Rest Security with MFA & PBA

Meet the DIGISTOR Citadel K 512 GB Solid State Drive, a security-first internal PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 SSD designed to protect data at rest without sacrificing performance. This FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) integrates multifactor authentication, pre-boot authentication (PBA), and hardware encryption into a compact, cost-conscious solution. Ideal for workstations, small businesses, and enterprise environments, Citadel K offers powerful data protection while delivering the speed and reliability you expect from modern NVMe storage. In a world where data breaches and leakage can be costly, Citadel K puts robust security at the core of your storage, so you can focus on performance and productivity with peace of mind.

• FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware-based encryption ensures that data at rest remains protected even if the drive is removed from the system. This drive’s security architecture is designed to guard sensitive information from unauthorized access, giving you strong compliance posture with less complexity.
• Multifactor authentication (MFA) and pre-boot authentication (PBA) provide an extra layer of defense. MFA verifies your identity beyond passwords, while PBA requires authentication before the operating system boots, preventing attackers from bypassing disk-level security.
• PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 performance delivers fast boot times, rapid application loading, and smooth multitasking. The Citadel K is engineered to maximize throughput and reduce latency, helping your system harness the full potential of modern workloads.
• Data-at-rest security made simple with an integrated, turnkey solution that minimizes management overhead. This drive combines encryption with secure key management in a single device, simplifying deployment and compliance across desktops, laptops, and workstation fleets.
• Enterprise-grade reliability in a compact form designed for demanding environments. Built to endure high-demand usage and provide consistent performance, Citadel K helps safeguard critical information while maintaining steady, predictable storage behavior.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel K 512 GB Solid State Drive

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using the product UPC or SKU as reference to pull full details such as capacity, interface, form factor, endurance, MTBF, wear-leveling, thermal characteristics, and supported protocols.

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel K 512 GB Solid State Drive – Internal (PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4)

Installing the Citadel K drive is straightforward for users with a standard PC or workstation chassis. Follow these general steps to add the drive into a compatible system and enable its security features.

1) Power down completely and unplug the system. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge, and open the chassis side panel to access the interior.

2) Identify a compatible PCIe NVMe M.2 slot or PCIe NVMe drive bay in your system. Ensure your motherboard supports NVMe drives and that there is an available slot or dedicated mounting area for an internal PCIe storage device.

3) If using an M.2 slot, align the connector with the slot orientation and carefully insert the Citadel K module. If your system uses a separate drive bay or adapter, mount the drive securely according to the enclosure’s instructions and secure with the appropriate screws or retention hardware.

4) Gently secure the drive to prevent movement, reconnect any cables, and reassemble the chassis. Reconnect power and boot the system.

5) Enter the system BIOS/UEFI during startup and verify that the Citadel K drive is recognized as a storage device. If necessary, enable NVMe support or adjust PCIe slot configuration to ensure optimal performance.

6) Boot into your operating system. Use your preferred disk management tool to initialize the drive if required by your OS, and create the desired partitions. At this stage you can begin configuring Citadel K’s security features.

7) Configure Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) and MFA according to your organization’s security policies. The Citadel K drive is designed to integrate multifactor authentication and PBA to ensure access is granted only after successful verification. This may involve enrolling authentication factors, setting recovery options, and establishing policy settings for authentication prompts during boot.

8) Initialize and format the drive within your operating system, then install the applications and data you intend to store on the secure volume. Regular backups and key management practices should be implemented to safeguard encryption keys and recovery data.

Note: Specific installation procedures can vary based on system hardware, BIOS/UEFI capabilities, and the management software you use for VM or enterprise deployments. Always refer to your motherboard or system vendor documentation for precise steps. After installation, verify that the encryption is active and that the pre-boot authentication prompt appears as configured for your security profile.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the DIGISTOR Citadel K 512 GB SSD different? The Citadel K is a security-focused internal NVMe SSD that combines FIPS-certified self-encryption with multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication, delivering data-at-rest protection without requiring separate encryption hardware or complex management software.
• What is the benefit of pre-boot authentication (PBA)? PBA requires authentication before the operating system loads, preventing unauthorized access to the drive even if the system is compromised or physically accessed, thereby strengthening data protection at rest.
• What interfaces and performance can I expect? The drive uses PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4, offering high-throughput performance and low latency suitable for demanding workloads, fast boot times, and smooth application responsiveness.
• Is this drive suitable for enterprise deployments? Yes. It is designed for enterprise-grade security and reliability, with features like hardware encryption, MFA, PBA, and a robust data-protection framework that scales across desktops, workstations, and small- to mid-size business environments.
• How do I manage encryption keys and authentication? The drive is built for integrated key management and authentication workflows. Final configuration typically involves enabling MFA and PBA through the security software stack or hardware management tools provided by your IT team, following your organizational security policies.
• What operating systems support Citadel K? The Citadel K is designed to work with common operating systems that support NVMe devices and disk-level encryption workflows. Specific compatibility should be confirmed with your operating system version and security management framework.