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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)

Storage drive with built-in hardware encryption that encrypts all data automatically.

Definition

SEDs perform encryption in the drive controller with a media encryption key that never leaves the drive. The TCG Opal 2.0 standard defines management and authentication. Crypto-erase by destroying the key provides fast sanitization.

Example

An Opal-compliant SSD can be instantly sanitized by issuing a cryptographic erase command.

Exam tip

SED crypto-erase is an accepted purge method under NIST SP 800-88.

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