DIGISTOR Citadel C 512 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - PCI Express NVMe - TAA Compliant

Designed for demanding environments where data at rest security is non-negotiable, the DIGISTOR Citadel C 512 GB NVMe SSD combines enterprise-grade protection with high-speed storage in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. This drive is purpose-built to guard sensitive information against theft, tampering, and unauthorized access by integrating multifactor authentication, pre-boot authentication (PBA), and hardware encryption directly into the drive. As a FIPS-certified, self-encrypting drive (SED), the Citadel C delivers robust data protection with minimal impact on performance, enabling organizations, government contractors, and security-minded individuals to deploy secure storage without sacrificing efficiency. The TAA-compliant design also makes it suitable for procurement in regulated environments, where compliant security is a requirement. Whether you’re upgrading a workstation, building a secure laptop, or outfitting a high-security server blade, the Citadel C brings trusted, transparent protection to everyday computing tasks.

• Advanced data protection built in. This is a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) that leverages hardware-based encryption to protect data at rest. It works alongside native security features to ensure that encrypted data remains inaccessible without authorized credentials, even if the device falls into the wrong hands.
• Multifactor authentication and pre-boot security. Citadel C goes beyond standard encryption by incorporating multifactor authentication and pre-boot authentication (PBA). These capabilities ensure that the system only loads after a trusted user has authenticated, effectively reducing the risk of unauthorized access during startup or after theft.
• High-performance PCIe NVMe in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. The drive leverages the PCI Express NVMe interface to deliver fast, responsive performance suitable for demanding workloads, including boot drives, gaming rigs, workstations, and portable systems that require rapid data access and reduced latency without sacrificing security features.
• Security-focused reliability for sensitive environments. With FIPS certification and hardware encryption, Citadel C is designed for environments where data at rest must meet stringent compliance requirements. Its secure-by-default approach helps organizations align with industry standards and regulatory frameworks while maintaining operational efficiency.
• TAA compliant for government and regulated use. The drive’s compliance with the Trade Agreements Act ensures suitability for government procurement and other regulated deployments, enabling secure storage solutions across a broad range of applications and industries.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel C 512 GB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 512 GB
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: PCI Express NVMe
• Security: FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA)
• Compliance: TAA Compliant

how to install DIGISTOR Citadel C 512 GB NVMe SSD

Installing the Citadel C 512 GB NVMe SSD is straightforward and designed to minimize downtime while maximizing security. Follow these steps to ensure a proper install and optimal performance without compromising the security features built into the drive.

• Prepare your system: Power down the computer, unplug it from any power source, and discharge static electricity. If you’re installing in a laptop, consult the manufacturer’s service manual for proper access to the M.2 slot and any warranty considerations.
• Identify a suitable M.2 PCIe NVMe slot: Locate an available M.2 2280 slot that supports PCIe NVMe in your motherboard or workstation. If your system is configured with multiple NVMe devices, consult the motherboard documentation to determine the correct slot and any BIOS settings related to NVMe storage expansion.
• Insert the Citadel C into the M.2 slot: Gently align the module with the slot, ensuring the notch on the edge connector matches the keying of the socket. Insert at a 30-degree angle, then press down and secure it with the mounting screw. Do not overtighten the screw, as this can damage the drive or motherboard.
• Configure BIOS/UEFI and OS setup: Power on the system and enter BIOS/UEFI to confirm that the drive is detected. If you plan to enable pre-boot authentication and hardware encryption, you may need to enable security-related settings in the firmware. Save changes and boot into your operating system. During initial startup or the first OS installation, you can format the drive and configure any required policy settings.
• Enable security features and initialize encryption: Use the Citadel management tools or your organization’s security policies to configure multifactor authentication, PBA, and the hardware encryption for data at rest. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to set up authentication factors and to manage recovery options, ensuring you have a secure backup process in place.

Frequently asked questions

• What makes the DIGISTOR Citadel C 512 GB NVMe SSD different from other NVMe drives? The Citadel C integrates FIPS-certified hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication directly into the drive, providing data-at-rest protection that starts before the operating system loads. This combination of security features is designed to reduce risk in theft scenarios and to support compliance requirements without sacrificing the performance benefits of PCIe NVMe storage.
• Does Citadel C support pre-boot authentication (PBA)? Yes. PBA is a core feature that requires authentication before the OS loads, helping to prevent unauthorized access to the stored data even if the system is physically compromised.
• Is the drive compliant with government and regulated environments? It is TAA compliant, meaning it meets the Trade Agreements Act requirements for many government and regulated procurement scenarios. This makes it suitable for use in organizations subject to government purchasing guidelines.
• What kind of performance can I expect from a 512 GB NVMe drive with security features? While exact throughput depends on the system and workload, the PCIe NVMe interface provides high-speed data access, fast boot and load times, and high IOPS. The hardware encryption operates in parallel with data transfers, delivering secure performance without introducing significant overhead for typical workloads.
• How do I enable and manage the encryption and authentication features? Use the Citadel management tools and follow your organization’s security policy to configure multifactor authentication, pre-boot authentication, and hardware encryption. It’s important to establish recovery options and maintain secure credentials, as well as to align the setup with any applicable regulatory requirements and IT governance policies.