Cigent Technology, Inc., a data security specialist, has announced its new line of Cigent Secure SSD+ drives. Unlike the company’s previous Secure SSD series, the Cigent Secure SSD+ uses machine learning (ML) to thwart ransomware attacks, preventing perpetrators from stealing or encrypting data on the drive. Debut with a unique AI microprocessor that prevents
Cigent Secure SSD+ focuses on a prevention-first approach to stop ransomware attacks before they do damage. This means assigning attack prevention inside the storage itself. The integrated AI microprocessor uses ML algorithms to monitor SSD activity and combat ransomware attacks. Additionally, consumers can fine-tune detection sensitivity to their needs to avoid false positives.
Together with the company’s Cigent Data Defense software, Secure SSD+ has several protection mechanisms upon detecting potential attacks. For example, SSDs will go into “Shields Up” mode and require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for users to access protected files. Additionally, the software can automatically store data on the drive to block unauthorized access from malware and Windows processes. Alternatively, users can put the drive in read-only mode to prevent attackers from modifying, erasing, or encrypting data for ransom purposes.
When an attack is detected, Cigent Data Defense software alerts security personnel to enable ‘Shields Up’ on other Cigent-protected systems on the network. Even if those systems don’t house her Secure SSD+.
Cigent Secure SSD+ logs all data access to the drive, making it nearly impossible for criminals to steal your data and cover their tracks. Additionally, the company has implemented safeguards to prevent malicious individuals from overriding security controls. Hide your data. Finally, future updates are reported to prevent criminals from closing, wiping, or accessing your data if the drive is booted from another operating system.
However, Cigent Secure SSD+ has some caveats. First, the consumer has to install her SSD as the primary drive for the operating system. In its current form, ransomware detection is only available for Windows, but Linux support is coming soon. Finally, although ML algorithms are mature, they are not perfect. So some files may fall victim to ransomware before the protection takes effect.
Full specifications of Cigent Secure SSD+ are unknown at this time. The manufacturer only confirmed that it is his M.2 2280 drive with a double-sided design. As such, SSDs may not fit in ultra-thin laptops. Cigent Secure SSD+ will be available in May 2023, so more information on performance and pricing should be available soon.
