What characterizes a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)?

A Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) is characterized by having an encryption circuit built into the drive itself. This means that the drive encrypts data automatically using hardware-based encryption, which occurs in real-time as data is written to the disk. This built-in feature enhances security by ensuring that data is protected without the need for external software or user intervention.

SEDs offer advantages such as faster encryption processes since the operations occur at the hardware level, and improved security management, since they can enforce and manage encryption policies directly through their firmware. This distinct aspect of SEDs sets them apart from other storage solutions that may rely on software encryption, making them particularly effective for protecting sensitive data.

In contrast, other options highlight incorrect interpretations of how SEDs function, such as suggesting they are limited to securing data only during transfer or that they can only encrypt certain types of devices.