Self-Encrypting Hard Drives and the New Security

In a recent blog post, CNet's Jon Oitsik has called for a policy shift with respect to data encryption. A new standard by the Trusted Computing Group promises the availability of self-encrypting hard drives soon, leading some to call for immediate adoption. Will this create even more security problems due to lazy custodians, or should someone responsible for keeping your information safe be required to move to the new hardware? Hopefully the new hardware comes with a warning to continue to use other data protection measures as well.

Comments

"Hopefully a warning..."

[MaxwellEdison]

Oh there's a warning, it's just been encrypted for its own protection.

Propriety Encryption

[sheddd]

Never has a backdoor!

Decryption

[MrEricSir]

Hopefully they're also self-decrypting. Although it would certainly be more secure without this feature.

64-bit key?

[Jon.Laslow]

All of my sensitive data is double-ROT-13 encrypted!

Re:64-bit key?

[UnderDark]

4096 cycle rot-13 is much much more effective drain on cpu cycles

Re:64-bit key?

[Anonymous Coward]

I use Quadruple-rot-13, far more effective IMHO.

ROT-13 should be the new trigger for Godwin's law in Slashdot discussions.

Re:self encrypting, probably self-defeating too

[SBrach]

Like a post-it under the keyboard.

Re:Multiple security layers

[mustafap]

>you'll never see 2DES

Pity really, 'cause 2DES is very secure when hackers think it's triple DES :o)

If it's self encrypting and self decrypting

[Colin Smith]

How will you know if your data was encrypted?