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

Data at rest security has never been more accessible or easier to deploy. The DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB SSD is a purpose-built, enterprise-grade solution that blends cutting-edge hardware encryption with seamless user authentication. As a 2.5" internal SATA drive, it fits standard desktop and server configurations with plug‑and‑play simplicity, while delivering robust protection for sensitive information. The Citadel C series is FIPS-certified, a testament to its strong cryptographic foundations, and is designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements across industries. Featuring multifactor authentication, pre-boot authentication (PBA), and hardware encryption, this drive offers a low-cost, high-impact approach to safeguarding data at rest without compromising performance or manageability. Powered by Cigen, the Citadel C line provides a hardened security envelope that keeps intruders out before they can access any data.

• Uncompromising data protection with FIPS-certified SED: The Citadel C 256 GB leverages hardware-based encryption to protect data at rest. With FIPS validation, you gain confidence that cryptographic operations meet rigorous federal standards, reducing the risk of data breaches even if the drive is removed from a system. The self-encrypting drive (SED) architecture ensures that data remains encrypted at all times, with cryptographic keys managed in hardware for superior resistance to tampering and theft.
• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA): Citadel C goes beyond standard encryption by integrating multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication into the drive itself. This combination blocks unauthorized system access long before the operating system boots, dramatically lowering the chances of credential theft, boot-level malware intrusion, or unauthorized image access. PBA adds a trusted boot process, reinforcing security from the moment power is applied.
• Hardware encryption for fast, seamless security: Encrypting data in real time with hardware-based cryptography minimizes CPU overhead and preserves performance. The Citadel C 256 GB maintains high I/O performance while providing strong encryption, making it suitable for demanding workloads, databases, virtual machines, and other enterprise scenarios that require both speed and security without compromise.
• 2.5" form factor and SATA interface for broad compatibility: At 2.5" and using the widely supported SATA interface, this drive slips into most standard desktops and servers with ease. It’s ideal for upgrades, replacements, or new builds where reliable security is a priority. The broad compatibility helps IT teams standardize security across heterogeneous environments without costly adapters or custom configurations.
• TA A compliance and enterprise-ready design: The drive is TAA compliant, meeting requirements for government and regulated industries that demand traceable, auditable hardware. This makes Citadel C an excellent fit for environments that require strict procurement and compliance controls, while still delivering the performance and reliability expected from modern SSDs.

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
• Interface: SATA
• Security: FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA)
• Compliance: TAA compliant
• Protection: Data at rest security with hardware-based key management

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB SSD

• Power down the system and unplug from power. Ensure you are grounded to prevent static discharge before handling the drive.
• Open the workstation or server chassis and locate an available 2.5" drive bay. If needed, remove the existing drive or use a suitable mounting bracket to fit the Citadel C into the bay.
• Connect the SATA data cable and the power cable to the drive. Ensure the connectors are firmly seated to prevent intermittent connectivity.
• Secure the drive with screws or a mounting mechanism, then close the chassis. Reconnect power and boot the system.
• Enter BIOS/UEFI to verify the drive is recognized. Set the SATA controller to AHCI mode if required for optimal performance.
• Proceed to install or initialize your operating system as needed. If you are using the Citadel’s pre-boot authentication features, follow your organization’s security policy to configure PBA and any required multifactor authentication settings.
• Once the OS is running, initialize and format the new drive if necessary. Confirm that hardware encryption is active and that PBA prompts appear according to your security configuration.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is a self-encrypting drive (SED) and why choose FIPS-certified SED? A self-encrypting drive performs encryption and decryption directly in hardware, without relying on the host system’s CPU. FIPS-certified SEDs meet rigorous cryptographic standards, offering predictable security results and ensuring that encrypted data remains protected even if the drive is lost or stolen.
• Q: How does pre-boot authentication (PBA) improve security? PBA requires authentication before the operating system boots. This prevents unauthorized access to the drive and its data, even if the drive is moved to another machine. When combined with multifactor authentication, PBA adds a strong, layered barrier against unauthorized access and credential theft.
• Q: Is the DIGISTOR Citadel C compatible with enterprise environments? Yes. With enterprise-grade security features, 256 GB capacity, a standard 2.5" SATA form factor, and TAA compliance, Citadel C is designed for government agencies, regulated industries, and businesses that demand rigorous data protection without sacrificing performance.
• Q: What performance should I expect from a 256 GB SATA SSD with hardware encryption? You can expect snappy read/write performance typical of modern SATA SSDs, while encryption and PBA operate in the background. The hardware-based encryption minimizes CPU overhead, helping maintain system responsiveness in data-intensive workloads such as databases, virtual machines, and enterprise applications.
• Q: How do I configure multifactor authentication with Citadel C? Configuration typically involves enterprise security policies and management tools provided by the vendor (in this case, Cigen). Follow your IT security team’s procedures to enable multifactor authentication during PBA setup. This often includes integrating with authentication providers or hardware tokens as part of the boot process.
• Q: What makes Citadel C stand out compared to non-secure SSDs? Citadel C combines hardware encryption, PBA, multifactor authentication, and a FIPS-certified SED into a single drive, delivering data-at-rest security with minimal performance impact. Its TA A compliance and targeted security features address compliance-driven deployments without requiring separate, costly security add-ons.