When taking a PC or an external HDD outside, information leakage countermeasures are important. In fact, there are many cases of loss or theft due to misplacement, and if that happens, important data in an HDD may be leaked. Especially in the case of companies, since confidential information and personal information are often handled, if information is leaked, it may lead to major problems such as credit loss and compensation. To prevent this from happening, let’s thoroughly implement security measures for HDDs and SSDs. This content introduces encryption.

1. Index
2. 1. HDDs and SSDs encryption
3. 2. Differences between software and hardware encryption
4. 3. Our recommended products
5. 4. Conclusion

・1. HDDs and SSDs encryption
Encryption is a typical security measure for HDDs and SSDs. This protects all data by encrypting an HDD or an SSD itself, including an OS and system area, unlike individual encryption such as setting a password for a ZIP file. Encryption is performed using either dedicated software or a dedicated device (such as an external HDD that supports encryption). Since the encryption procedure differs depending on a software and a device used, learn how to do from those manuals.
When you encrypt an HDD or an SSD, all the data is automatically encrypted and saved. Therefore, you do not need to perform individual encryption. It also means you do not need to worry forgetting to set a password. Since encryption is highly secured, the data on an encrypted HDD is basically safe with a very high probability.
However, since encryption is a very strong security measure, if you forget your password or damage your HDD accidentally after encryption, you are not be able to recover data even in fragments. Please noted the characteristics well and use it.

・2. Differences between software and hardware encryption
The differences between software encryption and hardware encryption have the following features.

Software

• No need to purchase dedicated hardware for encryption
• Easy to install
• Relatively slow due to software processing during encryption and decryption

Hardware

• Need to purchase an encryption-enabled hardware
• Relatively expensive compared to normal hardware
• Faster when encrypting and decrypting

Consider these advantages and disadvantages and choose a suitable one for your purpose.

・3. Our recommended products

3-1. Security Measures, Encrypted Hard Disk, 4TB [LHD-EN40U3BS]

The double security of the automatic encryption function that encrypts data at the same time as it is saved and the password management tool that cannot be accessed without entering the password protects your important data. AES256bit (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a difficult-to-decrypt encryption method that uses a 256-bit long encryption key, which has also been introduced as a US standard.

3-2. Security Measures, WD Red Plus equipped Encrypted Hard Disk, 4TB [LHD-EN40U3BSR]

Western Digital’s WD Red (CMR) / WD Red Plus are used. These are developed for NAS that operates 24 hours a day, and have excellent heat resistance, vibration resistance, and impact resistance. Recommended for those who frequently use a hard disk and operate it continuously.

3-3. Security Measures, Encrypted Portable SSD, 480GB [LMD-PBL480U3BS]

An encrypted portable SSD with a fault detection function that tell you the life of the SSD. Since you are noticed the condition in three stages of good, caution, and need replacement, you can easily make a plan to consider backup and replacement, and the risk of data loss can be reduced.

4. Conclusion
Nowadays, security management is one of the most importance issue in many situations. In particular, there are many large-scale information leakage from companies. First of all, it is important to handle information carefully at the individual level for it not to be seen by a third party. Let’s review the security measures by encrypting an internal and external HDD and SSD.