FIPS SSD for Rugged Applications - Securing Airborne Data with FIPS SSDs
Introduction
FIPS SSDs are solid-state drives (SSDs) that comply with the U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), designed for government-level computer security and data protection. A FIPS certified SSD ensures that its cryptographic modules meet specific FIPS standards, guaranteeing secure data handling.
One of our Department of Defense (DoD) customers, specializing in rugged PCs for U.S. government applications, required a qualified M.2 FIPS SSD for airborne operations. The storage solution needed both software and hardware encryption features to prevent unauthorized data access if the SSD were lost or stolen. The UD info M.2 2280 M2P-80DA FIPS SSD was selected to meet these rigorous security requirements.
Challenges
Implementing FIPS SSDs involves several key challenges:
1. Firmware Complexity : The firmware for FIPS SSDs is intricate, needing advanced cryptographic functions for FIPS compliance.
2. Strict Compliance : Organizations must ensure all processes and configurations adhere to FIPS standards
3. Limited Software Support : Not all software can utilize FIPS SSD encryption features, sometimes requiring specialized tools or expertise.
4. Compatibility Issues : FIPS-certified SSDs may face compatibility challenges with various hardware or operating systems, especially in custom or legacy environments.
Solutions
UD info offers a 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD with AES / OPAL and FIPS-certified hardware-based encryption, providing robust data protection. This SSD, built with 3D BiCS4 NAND Flash technology with Gen3 x4 Interface and DDR4 16Gb, also supports optional pre-installed FIPS software to combine hardware and software security for optimal performance.
Results
With UD info’s FIPS M.2 SSD, the customer secured the government contract for a new rugged application. This SSD ensures data security and reliability, vital for combat environments, while offering streamlined management with pre-installed software—saving time and reducing additional costs.
UD info - M2P-80DA series