Since announcing our CSfC listings, we have experienced a deluge of interest. Private companies, government contractors, members of the military, and many other parties have contacted our team. This not only highlights the importance of CSfC validation but also a growing, multisource interest in cybersecurity. With attacks increasing in magnitude and frequency, interest in cybersecurity and concern over cyber threats have exploded across private and public sectors. Here’s what we’re seeing at CDSG and beyond.

Data Security Trends We see in Q2 2023

1. Cybersecurity is the Battlefield of Today

Some of our team members at CDSG attended this year’s RSA Conference. The RSA Conference is one of the most significant cybersecurity events in the world. It brings together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from all over the globe to discuss the industry’s latest trends, technologies, and threats.

Held annually in San Francisco, the conference features keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. These events cover a wide range of topics related to information security. From cryptography and data privacy to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, there’s something for everyone at the RSA Conference.

But what makes this event unique is its community-driven approach. Unlike other tech conferences focusing on marketing and sales pitches, the RSA Conference puts people first. It encourages collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing among attendees who share a common goal: to make the digital world safer and more secure.

In conversation with attendees close to the US government and military, we learned cybersecurity is now considered “the battlefield of today.” Cybersecurity is one of the most significant concerns for the military, as it can have perilous consequences for national security. In today’s digital age, an attacker can use cyberspace to access classified information or cripple entire systems without ever stepping foot on the battlefield.

A breach in cybersecurity could result in stolen data or compromised networks that may put soldiers’ lives at risk. The military heavily relies on communication systems to coordinate missions, track troop movements, and share intelligence with allies, making any disruption catastrophic.

Furthermore, hackers can target critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation networks, and water supplies, leading to devastating outcomes. Cybersecurity has emerged as a crucial aspect of national defense strategy, requiring constant attention, improvement, and investment.

2. Consumer Interest in Cybersecurity is Rapidly Growing

The White House focused heavily on cybersecurity in its recent report. However, higher-ups in the government are not the only parties concerned with the far-reaching consequences of poorly implemented cybersecurity. Consumer interest is also rapidly growing.

Consumers now understand the risks of sharing personal information online and are taking steps to protect themselves. One reason for this increased awareness is the growing number of high-profile data breaches in recent years. From Equifax to Yahoo, these incidents have made headlines and raised consumer concerns about the safety of their personal information.

Another factor driving consumer interest in cybersecurity is the rise of personal devices, social media, and especially remote work. This increasing connectivity means that we are also exposing ourselves to new risks.

Large corporations and government agencies are no longer the sole targets of hackers and other malicious actors. Cybercriminals now pursue individual consumers and small businesses for whom consequences can be devastating.

According to Chuck Brooks in an article for Forbes last year, “many large businesses suffered breaches” in our post-pandemic world. However, “small and medium businesses were an easier target for hackers because of their lack of resources and security expertise.” Nearly half of all data breaches target these types of businesses, and Americans are taking notice.

3. There is a Need for Commercially Priced Data Security Solutions

Given this growing interest in cybersecurity, there is a clear need for affordable and accessible data security solutions. At Digistor, we build solutions with customers specifically in mind. We go to lengths other companies do not, creating products that can enhance anyone’s security ecosystem regardless of skill or experience. Our hardware platform is compatible with any software and can provide an impenetrable base layer of security for such software.

At the same time, our hardware is used by the military, government agencies, and other caretakers of critical information systems. Just like military groups and intelligence agencies, corporations of all sizes would find products such as Citadel valuable in their laptops and other devices.

Use Cases for Digistor’s CSfC-Listed FIPS SSD

DIGISTOR FIPS SSDs are the first and only commercial SSDs listed as a CSfC Hardware Full Disk Encryption component. As noted in our post “Innovation, Integrity & Affordability: Why CSfC Matters,” products approved by this NSA program can be used by government agencies. They meet standards set by experts and pass all tests given by independent third parties.

CSfC listing not only opens the door to government contracts. It also enhances consumer trust in the company whose products are CSfC listed. Beyond that, it makes cutting-edge security products available to consumers and government agencies at affordable prices. Below are a few use cases for our CSfC-listed drives.

• One military group uses our FIPS SSDs in rugged laptops for their vehicle maintenance program.
• Our FIPS-certified SSDs are also used in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). Digistor’s removable drives allow aerial and terrestrial vehicles to offload recorded information quickly and securely. Military vehicles need not wait on a lengthy download process that restricts vehicle use until that process is complete. Instead, vehicles can be loaded with new drives and returned immediately to data collection sites.
• SSDs and rugged laptops currently used by military personnel also have applications in the private sector. These solutions make sense for consumers and private companies. They support anyone hoping to protect sensitive data from bad actors who seek to undermine their personal safety and financial security.

Stay tuned for more updates about the state of cybersecurity in America – and the growing need for solutions in both private and public sectors.