Opal 2.0 is a Self Encrypting Drive (SED) that encrypts the data directly onto the drive without user interaction. Trusting Group of Companies (TCG) introduced Opal 2.0 as a security protocol for SEDs.
It is a set of security features for storage devices like Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD), also known as SED. Opal 2.0 SEDs can enhance business security and data protection features at a minimal price.
What Is Opal 2.0 Self-Encrypting Drive?
Opal 2.0 SED can do Full Drive Encryption (FDE) that encrypts the data automatically on the drive. The encryption is done with no user interaction and generates a Master Encryption Key (MEK) to lock your data. Following are the highlights of Opal 2.0 SEDs.
- No unauthorized person can access the data without the MEK
- The Opal management software is used to access and manage the data
- Opal 2.0 SED is hardware-encrypted and does not affect the system performance
How Opal 2.0 SED Works?
When you first set up Tcg Opal 2.0 encryption in your system, it automatically creates encryption keys to encrypt and decrypt the data on the hard drive. It also monitors all the security status and prevents data from being stolen. There are two ways an Opal 2.0 SED can be locked.
- By Encryption Key
- By Physical token key
TCG Opal-2.0-compliant SEDs are more effective than Software-based encrypted drives. They offer better security features and data protection tools while putting less strain on resources. For example, there is no complex infrastructure, simplified IT management, and lower power consumption.
The SED Opal 2.0 is compatible with almost any software and Operating System, but the system must support TCG Opal 2.0 management software and Endpoint Drive Encryption. However, it does not support Opal 1.0.
Opal 2.0 SED: AES Encryptions
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is an encryption algorithm used for securing the data, while 128-bit shows the size of the encryption key.
- 128-bit AES Tcg Opal 2.0 uses a 128-bit long key to encrypt the data. It takes less computational power and time to encrypt and decrypt the data.
- 256-bit AES Tcg Opal 2.0 uses a 256-bit long key to encrypt the data. It takes more computational power and time to encrypt and decrypt the data, but provides a high level of security.
Features of Opal 2.0 SED
Opal 2.0 SEDs offer enhanced security, lower power consumption, and software compatibility. Following is the list of some noteworthy features.
Shadow MBR
Shadow MBR or Pre-boot authentication adds a layer of security besides AES encryption. It requires an encrypted key whenever the user wants to boot the system.
Locking Range
Locking Ranges encrypt specific sectors of your drive with a Master Encryption Key (MEK). It is possible to access any sector independently without disturbing other sectors. The MEK is randomly generated and must be kept safe. Otherwise, data is lost forever.
Multiple User Credentials
Multiple User Credentials allow you to create different authorization levels for distinct users.
The Need for Opal 2.0 SEDs Modern Times
As businesses rely increasingly on digital storage and communication, sensitive information is more susceptible to unauthorized access. Nowadays the threat of data breaches has increased in recent years with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In 2022, there were about 22 billion attempted hacks. This is a 22% rise from the previous years.
Thus, Opal 2.0 SED creates an encryption that protects all the files automatically. It is compatible with all Operating Systems (OS) and only needs administrator permission to access the data. It prevents potential cyber-attacks and keeps the data safe from unidentified users.
Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) found that almost 90% of new servers are shipped with a SED for the following reasons.
- A reliable technical design
- Extended life
- Low power consumption
What to Look for Before Buying SEDs Opal 2.0?
SSD comes in shapes and sizes with multiple interfaces and busses support. Below are some things to be careful of before buying an SED.
- Capacity: The Opal 2.0 SED is available in different sizes, such as 256 GB, 512 GB, and even TBs.
- PSID: The 32-digit PSID code, mostly given at the front of the drive, is used to reset the Opal 2.0 SED to its factory setting and erase all data. So, make sure you ask for the key before buying.
- Interface: The SED Opal 2.0 is available in various interfaces like NVMe, SATA 3, and SSD drive. It’s crucial to check what interface your system supports.
- Performance: The M2 SATA provides 600MB/s, while the M.2 NVMe provides up to 4GB/s of speed.
- AES Encryption: The Opal 2.0 SED comes in two bits of encryption: 128-bit and 256-bit. Both encryptions provide you with the best defense against malware and hacking.
Popular Opal 2.0 Supported SEDs to Buy
The Opal SED 2.0 has surpassed the expectations of the modern world with its automatic encryption key and enhanced security features. Following are the SEDs from Computing Worlds collection of storage devices for sale:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Is the Difference Between SED & Non-SED?
SED protects your data by automatic hardware encryption, while non-SEDs do not.
What is the difference between Opal 1.0 vs. Opal 2.0?
Opal-complaint SEDs used Opal 1.0 protocol before tcg introduced Opal 2.0. Now, Opal 1.0 is obsolete.
Are Opal 2.0 SEDs Slower than Non-SEDs?
Yes, SED is 2% slower than non-SED.
What Are the Types of Opal 2.0 SEDs?
Opal 2.0 SEDs come in various versions, interfaces, and storage capacities. For example:
- 2.5-inch solid-state drives
- M2 solid-state drives
- mSATA Hard drives
In conclusion, Opal 2.0 SEDs are the most practical approach to safeguarding sensitive information with advanced encryption, comprehensive features, and threat protection capabilities.
That said, It is important to remember that data privacy is a collective responsibility. Thus, A comprehensive security system requires all parts to be protected from cyber threats.
For more such information, stay tuned with Computing Worlds Blog.
