CipherShield design features a chip embedded in the access key which matches the AES encryption module on the controller board. The drive will automatically lock down its content once the key is unplugged, or power is shut off. And without the access key, data will not be seen or accessed in the event of theft or loss of the external drive. Data stored on the hard drive are safeguarded by hardware-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certified industrial strength AES (Advanced Encryption standard) cryptographic engine. The advantage of hardware encryption over software encryption is that you need not be concerned about Trojans/viruses or software upgrades, which results in a decrease of total cost of ownership. Since CipherShield encrypts data independent of the operating system; removing the drive and connecting it directly to the SATA BUS will not defeat the encryption. Unit is bundled with two keys and registration is required for key duplication. Feature NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 2 compliant AES hardware encryption with 256-bit encryption 2 stage cascade AES 256-bit equals to 512-bit encryption Conforms to HIPAA regulation regarding patient privacy and to Sarbanes-Oxley regarding corporate financial and accounting practice CipherShield Smart Insert technology with CipherKey to authenticate the drive FDE (Full Disk Encryption) encrypt whole drive Real time "on-the-fly" encryption without any performance degradation Faster, easier to use, and provide a better security than software encryption Operates independently to the OS: does not require separate drivers Encryption key is on the removable hardware key; can be removed and stored away to prevent unauthorized access Plug and play; no complicated installation Transfer rate: USB 2.0: Up to 480 Mbits/s USB 3.0: Up to 5 Gbits/s eSATA: Up to 3.0 Gbits/s Drive: Pre-formatted NTFS SATA Drive (can be reformatted for Mac or Linux)