Have you been looking for a simple and affordable solution to add bullet proof security to your system or your data storage equipment? The Addonics family of CipherChain is the answer. Designed using the same field proven Addonics Diamond Cipher and Ruby Cipher AES 256-bit crypto engine (NIST & CSE certified), the Addonics CipherChain or CipherChain-e is a small encryption module, size of a Compact Flash, that can be easily installed into any computing equipment. Practically any Desktop PC, Servers, Rack Mounted systems, Kiosk or external storage system can be secured with the CipherChain.
The standard CipherChain comes with two internal SATA ports to encrypt any internal SATA device. The CipherChain-e, a model that comes equipped with eSATA port to connect to external storage device, can be use to secure the data stored in any external storage devices with the same AES 256-bit encryption.
CipherChain (to encrypt any internal SATA storage device)
CipherChain-e (to encrypt any external eSATA storage device)
Simple to use Similar to all other Addonics encryption products, the CipherChain or CipherChain-e is a pure hardware solution. This means that there is no software to run, no driver to install and no password to remember. There is very little user training required to use the CipherChain. All the user needs to do is to insert the correct Cipher key before powering on the system or the storage device. The family of CipherChain can be operated under any operating system and this makes the CipherChain or the CipherChain-e an ideal security solution for organization with heterogeneous computing environment and legacy systems.
Easy to install The CipherChain family of product is a simple pass through device that works with any SATA I/II hard drive, SSD (Solid State Drive) or storage device with SATA interface. The SATA hard drive to be encrypted is first connected to the device side of the CipherChain and the host side (blue SATA connector) of the CipherChain in turn connects to the SATA port on the system board or a SATA controller. For CipherChain-e. the device side is equipped with a eSATA port to encrypt any eSATA storage device.
Click on the images above for enlarged illustrations
Both the CipherChain and CipherChain-e are a small module that can easily fit into practically any computer or storage equipment. Addonics provides a wide choice of mounting brackets to install the CipherChain and the CipherChain-e into various systems via a 3.5" drive bay, a 5.25" drive bay, a slim CD drive bay, a PCI slot or the SCSI-I (Centronic 50) punch out commonly found on many external drive enclosures. There is also dual CipherChain bracket to install up to two CipherChains to encrypt as many as two storage devices in one bracket. Since each CipherChain works independently, you may install as many CipherChains as needed for the number of storage devices that you wish to secure in your system. Depending on your security control strategy, you may use Cipher keys with the same or different key code for each CipherChain.
Suggested implementation for different types of equipment
Desktop 3.5" Drive Bay
slim CD bay in Rackmount or SFF PC
PCI Slot on any computer
SCSI -1 punch out on back
of External Storage System
CipherChain
CipherChain on 3.5" drive bay bracket choice of bracket for single
CipherChain or Dual CipherChain
CipherChain on Slim CD bay bracket choice of bracket for single CipherChain
or Dual CipherChain
CipherChain on PCI bracket
CipherChain on SCSI - 1
(Centronics 50-pin) bracket choice of bracket for single CipherChain
or Dual CipherChain
CipherChain-e
CipherChain-e on 3.5"
drive bay bracket choice of bracket for single
CipherChain-e ; or a combination of both CipherChain and a CipherChain-e
CipherChain-e on PCI bracket for installation into PCI slot
Click on the images above for enlarged illustrations
Security
CipherChain and CipherChain-e are a full disk encryption solution. This means that the boot sector, partition table and all the information in the drive are encrypted. When the main drive (boot drive) of a system is connected to the CipherChain, the system will be disabled without the Cipher key. Storage device protected by the CipherChain will become inaccessible without the Cipher key. If the CipherChain encrypted drive is stolen and is connected to another system, the drive will appear as a brand new drive with no trace of any data.
The AES 256-bit encryption provided by the CipherChain and CipherChain-e is considered as the highest level of encryption standard, secure enough to protect classified information designated as “Top Secret”. You can raise the security level to increasingly complex level by simply daisy chaining two or more CipherChains. There is no theoretical limit as to the number of CipherChain that can be linked together in this fashion. For practical purpose, it is impossible to penetrate even the encryption of a single CipherChain. The daisy chaining of two or more CipherChains will raise the security to another level when each Cipher key is controlled by different person.
Daisychain example with multiple CipherChains
Daisychain example with one CipherChain-e and multiple CipherChains
Performance
The CipherChain or CipherChain-e encrypts and decrypts data on the fly using a NIST & CSE certified cryptographic AES engine. Unlike software encryption product which depends on the system CPU to encrypt and decrypt the data, the CipherChain product has no impact to CPU utilization.. This leaves the system CPU to perform all its computing task at normal speed. There is also no measurable impact to the performance on the hard drive. So there is no noticeable performance difference between a system equipped with or without the CipherChain.
Cipher key
The AES 256-bit Cipher key used for the encryption/decryption in the CipherChain is the same Cipher key as used in the Addonics Diamond Cipher drive kit and Ruby Cipher drive kit. As a result, you can share the same encryption key to operate on the storage device that has been encrypted by either the CipherChain, Diamond Cipher or Ruby Cipher drive kit. You may also order Cipher keys with the same key codes when you order multiple CipherChain kits or Cipher keys. You may also re-programmed the Cipher keys to other codes using the optional key management system or sending the keys to Addonics for the re-programming service at no charge.
Sample Applications and Installation (click on following link to see more detail illustration)
AES 256-bit encryption - the highest level of encryption standard
Full disk encryption. No traceable data when the encrypted drive is connected to any system.
Simple to use - no software to run or any password to remember
No training required. Encryption / Decryption via a hardware key , just like using a regular key to open a door.
Size of a Compact Flash. The CipherChain is small enough to fit into practically any equipment
Easily mount into any system via either a drive bay or a PCI slot
Install into external storage enclosures such as Addonics Storage Towers and Storage Rack via the SCSI - 1 punch-out or one of the drive bays.
Multiple CipherChains can be daisy chained to achieve incredibly complex security level.
High performance - up to 150 MB/sec
OS independent - can be used on any systems
Note on Cipher key code
By default from the factory, each pair of Cipher keys is set to a unique key code. When you order multiple Cipher kits, extra Cipher keys and you wish to have all the keys set to the same key code, you may leave your instructions at the final check out when you place the order at our online store. You may also email us the instruction with reference to your sales order number after your final check out. If you order from the Addonics reseller or distributor, be sure to leave them the instruction at the time when you place the order. At any time, You can always send the keys to us to re-code them to however you want. There is no charge for re-coding keys. You only need cover the cost of shipping the keys back to you.
Product Reviews
7/30 "Addonics Technologies has rolled out CipherChain, an AES 256-bit hardware full disk encryption system for personal computers, servers, rack mounted systems, data storage and any computing equipment."
12/9/2009
"There are an incredible number of similar solutions out there for hard drive encryption, software and hardware, but Addonics is by far one of the easiest, and even if you barely know your way around the inside of a PC, you should be able to install this without issue."
Model and price
CipherChain kit
Description and Package content
CCM35MK1
$79
CipherChain kit with single CipherChain for mounting onto standard 3.5" drive bay
This model includes the following components:
single CipherChain on 3.5" bay bracket
1 pair of AES 256-bit Cipher keys
model: AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power cable
model: AA4PYFFCBL
18" internal Serial ATA cable model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCM35MK2
$155
CipherChain kit with dual CipherChain for mounting onto standard 3.5" drive bay please note that the two pairs of Cipher keys come with two different key codes. You can request to program them all to the same key code at the final check out on our online store or email us the instruction with reference to your sales order number.
This model includes the following components:
dual CipherChain on 3.5" bay bracket
2 pairs of AES 256-bit
Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
2x 18" internal Serial ATA cables model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCMSPC1
$79
Cipherchain kit with single CipherChain for mounting onto SCSI-1 punch-out or PCI bracket
This model includes the following components:
single CipherChain on SCSI- bracket
PCI bracket
Model: PCISCBKT
1 pair of AES 256-bit Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
18" internal Serial ATA cable model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCMSPC2
$155
Cipherchain kit with dual CipherChain for mounting onto SCSI-1 punch out or PCI bracket please note that the two pairs of Cipher keys come with two different key codes. You can request to program them all to the same key code at the final check out on our online store or email us the instruction with reference to your sales order number.
This model includes the following components:
dual CipherChain on SCSI- bracket
PCI bracket
Model: PCISCBKT
2 pairs of AES 256-bit
Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
2x 18" internal Serial ATA cables model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCMSCD1
$79
Cipherchain kit with single CipherChain for mounting onto slim CD bay bracket
This model includes the following components:
single CipherChain on slim CD bay bracket
1 pair of AES 256-bit Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
18" internal Serial ATA cable model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCMSCD2
$155
Cipherchain kit with dual CipherChain for mounting onto slim CD bay bracket please note that the two pairs of Cipher keys come with two different key codes. You can request to program them all to the same key code at the final check out on our online store or email us the instruction with reference to your sales order number.
This model includes the following components:
dual CipherChain on slim CD bay bracket
2 pairs of AES 256-bit
Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
2x 18" internal Serial ATA cables model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CipherChain-e kit
Description and Package content
CCM35MK1-E
$79
CipherChain-e kit with single CipherChain-e for mounting onto standard 3.5" drive bay
This model includes the following components:
single CipherChain-e on 3.5" bay bracket
1 pair of AES 256-bit Cipher keys
model: AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power cable
model: AA4PYFFCBL
18" internal Serial ATA cable model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCM35MK2-E
$155
CipherChain-e kit with one CipherChain-e and one CipherChain for mounting onto standard 3.5" drive bay please note that the two pairs of Cipher keys come with two different key codes. You can request to program them all to the same key code at the final check out on our online store or email us the instruction with reference to your sales order number.
This model includes the following components:
combination of CipherChain and a CipherChain-e on 3.5" bay bracket
2 pairs of AES 256-bit
Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
2x 18" internal Serial ATA cables model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CCMSPC-E
$79
Cipherchain-e kit with single CipherChain-e for mounting onto PCI bracket
This model includes the following components:
single CipherChain-e on SCSI- bracket
PCI bracket
Model: PCISCBKT
1 pair of AES 256-bit Cipher keys
model:
AAENKEY256-2
Floppy Y-power
cable
model:
AA4PYFFCBL
18" internal Serial ATA cable model:
AASAIDC18I
user
guide
CipherChain and accessories
CipherChain
CCAES256M
$69
SCSI-1 bracket for one CipherChain CCSCBKT1
$4.5
SCSI-1 bracket for two CipherChain CCSCBKT2
$4.5
slim CD bracket for one CipherChain CCSCDBK1
$4.9
slim CD bracket for two CipherChain CCSCDBK2
$4.9
3.5" bay bracket for one CipherChain CC35MK1
$4.9
3.5" bay bracket for two CipherChains CC35MK2
$4.9
PCI converter bracket, for SCSI-1 bracket PCISCBKT
$2.5
CipherChain-e CCAES256M-E
$69
SCSI-1 bracket for one CipherChain-e CCSCBKT-E
$4.5
3.5" bay bracket for one CipherChain-e CC35MK1-E
$4.9
3.5" bay bracket for one CipherChain-e and one CipherChain
CC35MK2-E
$4.9
3.5" to 5.1/4" drive bay mounting bracket AAMK53
$5
15-pin SATA to 4-pin Molex power
connector AASA4PPC
$2.99
Blank AES 256-bit
Cipher key AAENKEY256
$9
Floppy Y-power
cable AA4PYFFCBL
$2.99
Cipher key socket extension
cable CKEYEX6
$17.95
18" internal Serial ATA cable AASAIDC18I
$3
There is no back door for the CipherChain encrypted hard drive if the Cipher key is lost or stolen. To ensure there is a spare key, every CipherChain kit comes with one pair of Cipher keys. One of these keys should be kept in a safe and secure location and can be sent back to Addonics for duplicating additional keys. If you are down to the last key, be sure to make a back up of all the data stored inside your encrypted hard drive prior to sending the last key to Addonics. Addonics is not responsible for the key lost in the mail or the retrieval of the data inside the encrypted hard drive.
Cipher Key management system
For organization with large deployment, you may consider managing your own keys by investing into a Addonics Cipher key duplicating system.
Specifications
Onboard AES 256-bit crypto engine
SATA I/II compliant
SATA connectors:
Blue - for connecting to host
Black - for connecting to device
LEDs:
Green - for power and the presence of key code
Yellow - drive access activity
RESET: To clear key code and reset the CipherChains. This also remove the drive icon when the storage device is removed from the CipherChain and the connected SATA supports hot swap.
Disable RESET jumper - to disable the RESET button.
Maximum throughput - 150 MB/sec
Small 4-P power connector
Input power: 5V @ 150 mA
Dimension: 41 x 48.5 x 8 mm (1.61 x 1.9 x .31 in)
Weight: 12 g (0.4 oz)
Operating temperature and humidity: 0 °C to + 75 °C, 5% - 95% (non condensing)
Storage temperature and humidity: -40 °C to + 85 °C, 5% - 90% humidity
System requirement:
Any system with 1 available SATA port
Standard 4P Molex power connector or floppy drive power connector
One of the following mounting options:
PCI slot
3.5" drive bay
slim CD drive bay
5.25" drive bay (require optional 3.5" to 5.25" drive bay mounting bracket)
, just like using a regular key to open a door.
