Segate to Provide Encrypted Laptop Hard Drives

For those reliant on laptops for work, data security can often be an issue, especially if the laptop is stolen. Various third-party encryption tools are available, but Seagate looks to one-up them with its new Hardware-Based Full Disc Encryption (FDE). Slated to begin shipping in 2006, the drives automatically encrypt data as it is written to the drive.

Seagate will offer hardware-based full disc encryption technology on its new Momentus FDE family of hard drives, providing the industry's strongest protection against unauthorized access to data on stolen or retired notebook PCs. FDE technology requires only a user key to encrypt all data, not just selected files or partitions, on the drive.

FDE uses Triple DES to do the job and will be available on its Momentus 5400 2.5" hard drives for laptops in sizes ranging from 40GB to 120GB. Seagate also claims the drives will have performance identical to other 5400 rpm drives without the built-in encryption. Pricing has not been announced, but expect to pay a premium for the FDE drives.