Digistor Citadel C 2 TB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - SATA - TAA Compliant

Enhance your data security and storage performance with the Digistor Citadel C 2 TB SSD, built to protect sensitive information without sacrificing speed. This M.2 2280 form factor SSD is designed for enterprises, governments, and security-conscious businesses that require robust, hardware-backed protection right at the drive level. With FIPS-certified self-encrypting technology, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication, Citadel C delivers data-at-rest security that you can trust in mission-critical environments. Whether you’re upgrading a fleet of workstations, securing laptops in the field, or equipping servers with a trusted storage solution, the Citadel C combines enterprise-grade security with a compact, rugged form factor and a cost-effective design that fits into a variety of deployment scenarios.

• Enhanced data-at-rest security: Citadel C integrates hardware-based encryption with FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive technology, ensuring that data written to the SSD remains protected even if the device is lost or stolen. This built-in protection eliminates the need for complex software keys and reduces the risk of unauthorized data access.
• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA): The drive uniquely supports multifactor authentication and PBA, ensuring that the system cannot boot and data cannot be decrypted until the correct authentication is provided. This layered approach provides an extra barrier against intrusion, making it harder for attackers to bypass security during startup.
• Streamlined, cost-effective security architecture: Citadel C consolidates encryption, PBA, and multifactor authentication into a single, affordable SSD solution, allowing organizations to achieve strong data protection without the complexity and cost often associated with separate security modules.
• Form factor and interface tailored for versatility: As a SATA-enabled M.2 2280 drive, it fits into a wide range of devices—from modern desktops and workstations to enterprise-grade laptops and compact servers—providing flexible deployment without compromising storage density or performance.
• TAA compliant for regulated environments: Built to meet Trade Agreement Act requirements, the Citadel C SSD is suitable for government, defense, and other regulated applications that require compliant procurement and supply chain practices, helping organizations simplify compliance while maintaining top-tier security.

Technical Details of Digistor Citadel C 2 TB Solid State Drive

• Model: Citadel C
• Capacity: 2 TB
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: SATA
• Security: FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA)
• Compliance: TAA compliant
• Usage: Internal SSD designed for secure data storage in enterprise and regulated environments
• Power/Performance: Optimized for reliable throughput and low power consumption in secure workstations and devices

How to install Digistor Citadel C 2 TB SSD

• Power down the host system and disconnect all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge before handling hardware.
• Locate an available M.2 2280 SATA slot on the motherboard or compatible carrier in your device. Ensure the slot supports SATA operation for M.2 drives if required by your system.
• Insert the Citadel C SSD into the M.2 slot at a slight angle and press down to secure with the mounting screw. Do not overtighten the screw to avoid damaging the module.
• Reconnect power and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup to verify that the M.2 drive is recognized. If necessary, enable SATA mode for the M.2 slot and adjust boot order to prioritize the operating system or security environment you plan to deploy.
• Initialize the drive and configure security settings. Follow the on-screen prompts or your organization’s security policy to enable pre-boot authentication and multifactor authentication, ensuring that access to encrypted data is controlled from the moment the system starts up.
• Install or migrate the operating system as needed, then verify that data encryption is active. Perform a test by attempting to boot after authentication to confirm the PBA process is functioning correctly.
• Update firmware if available from the manufacturer’s support resources, and run a security verification to ensure encryption keys and authentication methods are functioning as intended in your environment.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes Citadel C different from standard SSDs? Citadel C combines hardware encryption with FIPS certification, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication, delivering data-at-rest protection that remains active at the hardware level and is invoked before the operating system loads. This layered security approach is designed for regulated environments where data protection is critical.
• Is the Citadel C compatible with all M.2 SATA slots? It is designed for M.2 2280 form factor with SATA interface. Compatibility depends on your motherboard or device’s M.2 slot specifications. Always verify that your system supports SATA-mode M.2 drives and that you can enable PBA in the security settings where applicable.
• Can I use Citadel C in a laptop, desktop, or server? Yes. The M.2 2280 form factor makes it suitable for a range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and compact servers, provided the host supports SATA-based M.2 drives and the PBA workflow required by multifactor authentication.
• What is the benefit of the pre-boot authentication (PBA) feature? PBA ensures that the system cannot boot and the drive cannot be decrypted until correct credentials or factors are supplied. This reduces the risk of offline attacks and protects data even if the device is physically accessed by unauthorized users before the OS loads.
• Is Citadel C compliant with government procurement requirements? Yes. The drive is TAA compliant, making it suitable for government and regulated environments that require compliant supply chains and purchasing practices.
• How do I manage and recover encryption keys? Key management is handled by the Citadel line’s hardware-based encryption and authentication framework, often requiring the organization’s security policies and authentication infrastructure. If you need to reset authentication or recover access, consult your security administrator and the product documentation for supported recovery procedures.