Toshiba has brought out a new secure hard drive that could eliminate many of the risks of a lost or stolen notebook. The 2.5-inch MKxx61GSYG lineup is not only self-encrypting but can be set to wipe data automatically under certain conditions. It can erase the contents on command but also on a power reset or even if attached to an unknown computer.
The method could be the most vital for travelers with vital data on a notebook who know that the drive couldn’t simply be switched to another computer. It may also ease privacy fears with copiers and printers by preventing the theft of documents stored on the drives.
Capacities range from 160GB through to 640GB and otherwise carries the performance typical of a modern notebook hard drive, with a 7,200RPM spin speed and a 16MB buffer fairly common for portable disks.
Mass production is due to start before the end of the spring. Toshiba hasn’t named customers or said how readily available the drives will be as stand-alone sales.