DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive - 2.5" Internal - SATA - TAA Compliant

Experience enterprise-grade data at rest security without compromising performance or value. The DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive combines a compact 2.5" SATA form factor with FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) technology, delivering multifactor authentication, pre-boot authentication (PBA), and hardware encryption in a single, low-cost solution. Built for sensitive data environments, Citadel C secures your information from the moment the system boots, offering robust protection for government, healthcare, finance, and corporate deployments that demand strict compliance with data protection standards.

• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA) integration: Citadel C uniquely blends multifactor authentication with pre-boot security to verify user identity before any data can be accessed. This adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access, even if the drive is removed from a compromised system. By requiring factors such as tokens, biometrics, or other approved credentials at boot, it ensures only authorized users can unlock the drive, reducing the risk of data breaches.
• Hardware-based encryption for data-at-rest: This drive uses built-in hardware encryption to protect all data stored on the SSD. Encryption occurs at the hardware level, meaning there is no burden on the host CPU and no performance penalties during normal operation. Encryption keys are stored securely on the drive, ensuring that even if the drive is removed, data remains inaccessible without the correct authentication and authentication factors.
• FIPS-certified SED and Cigen-powered security: Citadel C is a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive, designed to meet rigorous federal and industry security standards. Powered by Cigen technology, the drive supports strong cryptographic controls and secure key management, providing trusted protection for critical workloads while remaining cost-effective for wide-scale deployment.
• TAA compliance for government and regulated industries: The drive is Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliant, making it a suitable choice for government procurement and regulated sectors that require compliant hardware solutions. TAA compliance helps organizations meet procurement policies and support audit-ready security postures.
• Compact 2.5" form factor with standard SATA interface: The Citadel C 256 GB fits easily into mainstream laptops, desktops, and enterprise workstations that use a 2.5" drive bay. With a standard SATA interface, it delivers broad compatibility with a wide range of systems, enabling easy upgrades without specialized adapters or tooling. The combination of small footprint and secure inside-the-drive protection is ideal for secure imaging, OS drives, and encrypted data repositories.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive - 2.5" Internal - SATA - TAA Compliant

• Capacity: 256 GB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch internal solid-state drive
• Interface: SATA (6 Gb/s)
• Security: FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA)
• Authentication: Multifactor authentication supported; PBA provides pre-boot access control
• Encryption: Hardware-based AES encryption for all data at rest
• Compliance: TAA compliant for government and regulated industries
• Special Technology: Powered by Cigen security framework for integrated authentication and secure key management
• Noise and Power: Quiet operation with low power consumption typical for enterprise-optimized SSDs
• Warranty and Support: Enterprise-grade warranty and support options designed for secure deployments

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive

• Prepare your system: Back up any important data and power down the computer or workstation. Disconnect power and peripheral cables to avoid accidental shorts during installation. Ensure you have the appropriate 2.5" drive bracket or tray if your system uses a caged bay.
• Remove the existing drive (if upgrading): If you are replacing an existing drive, remove the existing 2.5" SATA drive from the bay following your system’s service manual. Keep screws and mounting hardware organized for reinstallation if needed.
• Install the Citadel C into the drive bay: Insert the 2.5" Citadel C SSD into the drive bay or tray and secure it with the appropriate screws. Ensure the drive is firmly seated and aligned with the SATA connector to avoid connection issues.
• Connect data and power: Attach a SATA data cable and SATA power connector from the motherboard or power supply. Confirm that the connections are secure and that there is no strain on the cable paths that could dislodge the drive during use.
• Power on and configure security settings: Boot the system. During the initial boot or after the OS loads, you may be prompted to configure the pre-boot authentication and multifactor authentication settings. Follow the on-screen prompts or use your organization’s security management tools to register authentication factors (e.g., tokens, smart cards, biometrics) and configure the PBA policy. This step ensures your data-at-rest protection is active from first use.
• Initialize and format the drive: In your operating system’s disk management utility, initialize the new drive, create a partition, and format it with your preferred file system. For encrypted drives, you’ll typically format with the desired file system after the encryption is initialized and the authentication factors are verified.
• Test access and security: Reboot the system to test pre-boot authentication. Confirm that you are able to unlock and access the drive using the configured multifactor authentication. Verify that data written to and read from the drive remains encrypted and secure during typical workload.
• Document security configurations: Maintain a record of the authentication methods, recovery procedures, and any vendor-specific management utilities used to administer the Citadel C drive. This documentation helps with audits, disaster recovery planning, and ongoing security operations.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the DIGISTOR Citadel C drive different from standard SSDs?

  The Citadel C is a security-first SSD designed to protect data at rest through hardware-based encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication. Its SED capabilities, combined with Cigen-powered authentication, provide a robust defense against data breaches, especially in environments with compliance requirements. Unlike typical consumer SSDs, Citadel C emphasizes enterprise-grade security as a core feature rather than an optional addon.

• How does multifactor authentication on this drive work?

  Multifactor authentication requires at least two separate factors to unlock the drive—commonly something you know (a PIN or password) and something you have (a token, smart card, or USB key). Pre-boot authentication ensures the drive remains locked until boot-time credentials are verified, preventing unauthorized OS access even if the drive is moved to another system.

• Is this drive compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux?

  Citadel C is designed for broad enterprise use and supports standard SATA interfaces found in Windows, Linux, and most macOS environments. The drive’s security features are independent of the operating system, but you may need vendor-provided tooling to manage authentication policies and recovery options depending on your IT infrastructure.

• What is the advantage of a TAA-compliant drive?

  A TAA-compliant drive meets procurement standards for government and regulated sectors. It ensures that the hardware adheres to defined compliance requirements, enabling organizations to deploy secure storage solutions in sensitive operational contexts without compromising legal or policy obligations.

• Can I upgrade security settings after installation?

  Yes. In most deployments, security settings such as authentication factors, PBA policies, and key management can be updated via the organization’s security management software or by following the vendor’s documented procedures. Regular reviews of authentication factors and recovery options are recommended to maintain ongoing protection.

• What is the typical use case for the Citadel C 256 GB?

  Ideal for operating system drives, secure data partitions, imaging environments, and portable security-conscious deployments. Its combination of 256 GB capacity, hardware encryption, and pre-boot authentication makes it suitable for departments handling sensitive patient data, regulated financial information, or government records where safeguarding data at rest is a priority.