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Home / Glossary / SED
Glossary · Device

SED

Self-encrypting Drives

In plain language

A drive that scrambles everything stored on it automatically.

The metaphor

Like a filing cabinet that locks itself the moment it is unplugged.

Going deeper

How it works

  • The scrambling happens inside the drive.
  • It protects data if the drive is lost or stolen.
  • It is unlocked with a password or key at start-up.
  • It does not protect an unlocked, running computer.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A real-estate office had a laptop stolen from a car. Because the drive encrypted itself, thieves could not read client files.

In practice
  • A laptop has a self-encrypting drive.
  • A technician asks if drives are encrypted.
  • An insurer asks about device encryption.

A question owners ask

Is my laptop covered?

Many modern laptops encrypt their drives, and your IT provider can confirm yours does.

Related terms
BIOSBasic Input/Output SystemCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCSUChannel Service UnitEndpointESNElectronic Serial NumberFirmwareFPGAField Programmable Gate ArrayGPSGlobal Positioning System

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