Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Storage Work Group created the Opal Security Subsystem Class (SSC) as one class of security management protocol for storage devices. It is the most recognized standard for self-encrypting drives (SEDs). SMART offers TCG Opal 2.0 compliant self-encrypting SSDs incorporating AES encryption for rock-solid data protection.

What is TCG Opal 2.0?

Trusted Computing Group, a non-profit international organization, develops, defines, and promotes open standards and specifications for secure computing. The Opal Storage Specification is a set of security specifications for features of data storage devices that enhance their security. The latest Opal Storage Specification is currently available in version 2.0.

Why TCG Opal?

The hardware-based encryption offers the advantages over software-based encryption in terms of performance, security, and management. TCG Opal defines security specifications for storage drives, while the most common approach to data encryption is AES encryption technology. With the integration of AES encryption, Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) compliant with TCG OPAL 2.0 featuring pre-boot authentication and LBA-specific permission effectively prevent data from being stolen or tampered with by a hardware-based encryption method.