Samsung SSD receives CMVP FIPS validation for providing high level of data security

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd announced that its PM810 solid-state drives (SSDs) attained Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) validation for conformance to the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 based on the drives’ heightened data security. The CMVP is a joint program between NIST and the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC).

Samsung's PM810 SSDs validation for NIST FIPS 140-2, a set of robust and widely acknowledged cryptography requirements was the result of their ensuring a high level of data protection. The SSDs’ data security solution features self-encrypting drive (SED) technology that utilizes the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) built into the Samsung-developed controller hardware. Key management and security policies are implemented internally through the drive’s firmware.

“With what is apparently the first FIPS 140-2 validation for an SSD, Samsung’s SSDs solidify their position as one of the best storage solutions in the world, in satisfying high security requirements, as well as meeting demanding performance and reliability needs,” said Myungho Kim, VP of memory marketing, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will help the premium SSD market continue to grow rapidly by providing significant product differentiation, as its SSDs extend their feature set, their usability and their breadth of applications.”

The SSD’s ‘Crypto Erase’ technology deletes targeted data in a couple of seconds regardless of the overall volume of data or the capacity of the SSD involved. Also, the technology prevents any attempt to restore deleted data or to read data off of NAND flash chips disassembled from the drive.

This heightened level of security is crucial for many, especially for business applications where rapid and thorough erasing of sensitive data is needed, such as when discarding worn computing equipment or switching storage drives. Enabling rapid, exacting data deletion, Samsung’s SSDs make it easier for businesses or public offices to manage and even extend the life of large-scale computing systems and other networked PCs. The self-encrypting feature also protects the host device against unauthorized access when lost or stolen.

Samsung recently applied its distinctive security solution to its newest SSD which was introduced to the market earlier this year. The company intends to keep working on delivering even higher levels of data security with its high-performance SSD products in the future.