Keeping sensitive and classified mission data safe isn’t optional—it’s essential. Cyber threats are more sophisticated, compliance requirements are stricter than ever, and organizations must secure data across a growing mix of traditional and unconventional devices.
From endpoint systems, including PCs and servers, to industrial control systems and unmanned vehicles, every device that collects, processes, and stores sensitive information is a potential target. Without a multi-layered approach to security, organizations risk unauthorized data access, potentially exposing critical mission information.
To meet compliance requirements effectively, organizations must adopt an integrated security framework that protects data at rest while the device is in operation and at end of life.
Compliance Challenges in Government
The White House, NSA, NIAP, and DISA have implemented requirements for encryption and secure authentication and access controls to meet compliance requirements, including CSfC for DAR, FIPs and EO 14028. However, compliance is only part of the equation—security measures also need to be practical, ensuring personnel can work efficiently while keeping data protected. Unfortunately, many traditional security methods fall short against today’s evolving threats.
Risks include:
- Physical attacks – Threat actors use disk cloning, hex editors, and even electron microscopes to extract data from compromised devices.
- Software-based threats – Attackers bypass encryption with firmware tampering and advanced malware techniques.
- Operational constraints – Security measures must be seamless for end users while maintaining compliance and forensic auditability.
To address these challenges, agencies must ensure data security at every layer, leveraging software and hardware-based solutions.
Protecting Data at Rest: Compliance Requirement
The first line of defense in securing data at rest is ensuring that encryption and authentication mechanisms are robust and tamper-proof.
- Hardware Full-Disk Encryption (FDE)
AES-256-bit hardware-based encryption provides a foundation for securing stored data. Unlike software encryption, hardware-based FDE resists attacks that target operating system vulnerabilities. - Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA)
Strong authentication mechanisms ensure that only authorized users can access encrypted data. CSfC-certified PBA solutions lock the underlying disk until credentials are verified, preventing unauthorized access. - Software Full-Disk Encryption (FDE)
NSA CSfC for DAR requires an additional inner-layer of encryption delivered with software-based FDE supported with multifactor authentication.
In Operation: Maintain Data Protection
Other data security products’ protection ceases once a device is activated. But mission data needs to be protected when a device is operational with capabilities to mitigate risks, including unauthorized data extraction, data tampering and malicious insiders.
- Cloning, Tampering, & Wiping Prevention
Attackers can execute cloning or wiping attacks within seconds. Data remains protected within secure partitions with locked data ranges that prevent unauthorized access. - Critical Data Protection
Classified mission data, system data on vehicles or ICS devices or other highly sensitive data should be segmented, have separate access controls, and be stored in hidden repositories that are undetectable to an adversary. - Access Controls & Secure Data Logging
Granular access controls prevent unauthorized modifications or deletions. Secure data logs encrypt access records, preventing attackers from covering their tracks.
End of life: Data Sanitization
The development of quantum-computing capabilities makes effective data sanitization a necessity
- Data Sanitization & Emergency Data Destruction
Organizations must have a failsafe method for permanently erasing sensitive data when necessary. Verified Data Erasure technology ensures that every block of data is completely destroyed, preventing recovery even with emerging quantum decryption techniques.
The Cigent Solution: A Fully Integrated Approach
Cigent offers a comprehensive solution that secures data at rest throughout its entire lifecycle. Unlike traditional security measures that focus only on encryption, Cigent’s Secure Storage integrates hardware and software-based protections to create a multi-layered defense system.
Key Features of Cigent Secure Storage
- NSA-Validated Encryption – Full drive AES-256-bit encryption hardware and software with pre-boot authentication (PBA) and multifactor authentication (MFA).
- Hidden & Undetectable Partitions – Segments data with access control options. Prevents unauthorized access and obfuscates the existence of drive ranges.
- Cloning & Wiping Protection – Protected enclaves lock all data ranges, making them immune to unauthorized access.
- Secure Data Logs – Encrypts access records to prevent attackers from tampering with forensic evidence.
- Verified Data Sanitization – Local, remote, or automated execution that erases data and verified complete sanitization.
- Enterprise Management Console – Provides centralized compliance reporting, policy automation, and key management. Available on-premise or in the cloud.
Why Choose Cigent?
Cigent’s solutions have been tested and validated by leading federal agencies, including MITRE, NIST, NSA, and the Air Force. Cigent offers an extensive portfolio of secure storage and data protection software. Data solutions can protect desktops, laptops, workstations, and servers – including in RAID configurations, manned and unmanned vehicles, industrial control systems (ICS) and IoT devices.
US-based and staffed, the team includes experienced operators and personnel with TS/ SCI clearance who provide guidance for off-the-shelf product deployment and custom data protection solutions.
Secure Your Mission Data
Government agencies must stay ahead of emerging threats while maintaining compliance. A multi-layered approach—securing both inner and outer layers—ensures mission success, even in high-risk environments.
With Cigent Secure Storage, agencies gain:
- Advanced protection against physical & digital threats
- Seamless compliance with federal security mandates
- A reliable, integrated solution built for government operations
To learn more about how Cigent can protect your data, visit Cigent.com.
Author Bio:
Tom Ricoy has 30 years of IT experience. Prior to Cigent, Tom was responsible for Dell commercial PC data and endpoint security for five years. While there, the team launched BIOS malware/IoA detection, in-transit supply chain security, EDRM, and the first NGAV EPP Suite. He has established global alliances with IT and cyber security leaders and worked with federal agencies to deploy new solutions to improve national security.
