Security at the Chip Level

IntellaSys has announced its OnSpec xSil261 controller chip with 128-bit, hardware-encrypted security for use with UDMA CompactFlash (CF) memory or IDE/ATAPI Hard Disk Drives using a USB 2.0 interface.

The xSil261's hardware-embedded encryption/decryption function, which is fully compliant with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), combines with two-level software authentication of passwords to prevent unauthorized access of memory content.

Commenting on the xSil261's embedded security, IntellaSys' Bryan Chin noted that any unauthorized attempt to decipher the xSil261's keys is virtually impossible as it would take 149 trillion years to determine all possibilities at an attempted recovery rate of one key per second. He attributed this extraordinary level of security to the 3.4x1038 possible options the xSil261 offers to code keys.

The xSil261 can be configured to manage either a USB-to-CF or USB-to-IDE/ATA interface, but not both simultaneously. Configured for the IDE/ATA interface, the xSil261 allows two hard drives to operate as one, providing a low-cost solution for data backup. "This feature can handle up to 2 terabytes capacity, making it far more attractive when you consider the alternative of using a single high-capacity hard drive at a premium price," added Chin.

Posted by Jon Erickson at 05:33 PM  Permalink