Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC6100 UltraSMR: First HDD with Post-Quantum Cryptography

Western Digital has introduced the Ultrastar DC HC6100 UltraSMR, the first hard disk drive to support post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The drive is designed to protect data against future security threats from quantum computing.

Drive uses ML-DSA-87 algorithm

The HC6100 uses the ML-DSA-87 algorithm, which is certified by the NIST PQC standard. It also includes RSA-3072 for dual protection. The drive supports PQC-era PKI and HSM workflows and features a rollback protection mechanism.

According to Western Digital, storage devices need to strengthen encryption technology in a timely manner. The company claims the HC6100 can resist security threats from the quantum computing era.

Western Digital has not confirmed pricing or availability for the Ultrastar DC HC6100 UltraSMR.