Hardware encryption

Hardware encryption is a method in which a hardware component (hardware encryption) data without the use of additional software encrypted .

Hardware encryption is typically used for internal or external hard drives . In this case, the encryption hardware is installed between the controller and the hard disk and encrypts the exchanged signals in real time. Only the encrypted data is saved on the hard drive. Access to the data requires a key that can be stored on a token , for example .

advantages

The computing power required for complicated cryptographic operations is considerable. The system load is reduced through the use of special hardware. In addition, a gain in speed can generally be achieved through specialized hardware. This enables longer key lengths (especially in real-time operation).

In the PC environment, hardware encryption offers considerable security advantages over software encryption, since ultimately all processes running on the CPU can be monitored, which creates additional areas of attack.

In Germany, hardware encryption must be provided for encrypting classified information with a VS-CONFIDENTIAL level and higher.