DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - SATA - TAA Compliant

Data at rest security is redefined with the DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB SSD. This M.2 2280 SATA drive is engineered for modern workstations and enterprise fleets that demand strong protection, regulatory compliance, and seamless manageability. Built around a FIPS-certified self-encrypting architecture, the Citadel C delivers hardware-backed encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication in a compact, cost-effective package. It’s an ideal fit for environments where sensitive information must stay protected even if a device is lost, stolen, or decommissioned. The TAA-compliant design makes it suitable for procurement in government, education, and other regulated sectors while maintaining straightforward integration with existing systems and software ecosystems.

• Enhanced data protection at rest: The Citadel C is a FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) that ensures sensitive data remains encrypted on the physical media. Hardware encryption provides an extra layer of defense beyond software-based protections, helping organizations meet stringent compliance requirements and reduce the risk of data breaches in the field.
• Multifactor authentication for access: Access to the drive is secured with multifactor authentication, combining something you know (credentials) with something you have (a trusted authentication factor). This multi-layer approach makes it substantially harder for unauthorized users to unlock and exploit sensitive information stored on the drive, even when endpoints are compromised.
• Pre-boot authentication (PBA) with Cigen: Before the operating system boots, PBA verifies user identity, preventing boot-time compromise and unauthorized access to encrypted data. With Cigen’s PBA integration, administrators can enforce secure boot workflows and maintain control over drive unlock procedures across fleets and devices.
• Compact 256 GB capacity with enterprise-grade performance: The 256 GB capacity is optimized for operating systems, applications, and critical data stores, delivering fast boot times, quick application launches, and reliable throughput in a small M.2 2280 form factor. This makes it ideal for laptops, desktops, and embedded systems that require secure storage without sacrificing space or performance.
• Regulatory alignment and versatile deployment: The SATA-based M.2 2280 module is TAA compliant, aligning with procurement standards for government and regulated industries. Its security-first design supports deployments across mixed environments—from secure workstations to data centers—without forcing costly workflow changes.

Technial Details of DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - SATA - TAA Compliant

• Form Factor: M.2 2280 internal module designed for compatibility with a wide range of laptops, desktops, and embedded systems that support SATA in an M.2 slot.
• Interface: SATA interface delivering dependable, widely-supported data transfer suitable for legacy SATA controllers and most M.2 slots that support SATA-based SSDs.
• Capacity: 256 GB of flash storage optimized for operating system installation, applications, and essential data with solid endurance characteristics.
• Security Features: FIPS-certified self-encrypting drive (SED) with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA) to prevent unauthorized data access at every stage—from power-on to normal operation.
• Compliance: TAA compliant, making it eligible for procurement in government, educational institutions, and other sectors that require Trusted Aircraft Agreement (TAA) standards and auditable security controls.

how to install DIGISTOR Citadel C 256 GB SSD

• Power down the host system and unplug all power sources. If you’re working with a laptop, ensure it’s on a stable surface and remove the battery if applicable and safe according to the device manual.
• Identify a compatible M.2 2280 slot that supports SATA SSDs. Not all M.2 sockets support SATA; verify that your motherboard or system documentation confirms SATA mode rather than NVMe support for this module.
• With the system closed or the chassis opened per manufacturer guidelines, insert the Citadel C module at a slight angle into the M.2 slot. Once the connector is seated, gently press the drive down and secure it with the mounting screw provided by the chassis or motherboard kit.
• Reconnect power and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to ensure the drive is detected. If necessary, set the SATA mode to IDE or AHCI per your system’s requirements and save changes before booting into the operating system.
• Initialize and configure security features after the OS loads. Use the Citadel management tools to enable pre-boot authentication (PBA) settings and establish multifactor authentication policies. Follow the user guide to enroll authentication factors and define access controls for data on the drive.

Frequently asked questions

• What capacity does this drive offer? The DIGISTOR Citadel C provides 256 GB of storage space, suitable for boot drives, operating systems, essential applications, and critical data partitions, while maintaining a security-first posture.
• Which interface and form factor is used? It uses a SATA interface in an M.2 2280 form factor, designed for systems that support SATA-based M.2 modules.
• What security features are included? The drive is FIPS-certified and self-encrypting, with hardware encryption, multifactor authentication, and pre-boot authentication (PBA) to prevent unauthorized access before the OS starts.
• Is the Citadel C compliant with government procurement? Yes, it is TAA compliant, making it appropriate for government, education, and other regulated procurement scenarios where Trusted Access and traceability are required.
• Do I need special software to manage authentication? The drive integrates with Citadel management tools and Cigen PBA workflows. Depending on your deployment, you may use vendor-provided management utilities to configure authentication factors and unlock procedures for secure boot and access control.