Hardware encryption

Hardware encryption is a default feature on some WD external drives. This feature works as a program built into USB controller chip and automatically encrypts data as it is written to disk and decrypt the data as it is read back to the computer. According to manufacturer, hardware encryption and password protection are separate, independent features. Setting or removing a password on a device does not enable or disable encryption on that device. That is to say, if WD enclosure fails, the data on the internal hard drive may or may not be accessible when used in another enclosure.

Data Recovery is possible if the drive is not physically damaged beyond recovery and the password is known or not set.

Encrypted Data Recovery

Western Digital External drives with hardware encryption

An extra level of security with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption could not protect you from hard drive failure, but rather adds an additional complexity for data recovery process.

The encryption key retrieval from the failed drive is crucial for the whole data recovery process. The key and the user password (if set) are required to launch a reversal hardware decryption by the same Symwave or JMicron bridge controller chip which is part of USB channel for external box.

Most of WD encrypted drives are listed below.

3.5" WD Destop drives with Hardware Encryption

• My Book Essential - SmartWare enabled external drive for Windows or Mac with password protection, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0:
  WDBACW0030HBK 3 TB, WDBACW0020HBK 2 TB, WDBACW0015HBK 1.5 TB, WDBACW0010HBK 1 TB.
• My Book for Mac external USB 2.0 drive, compatible with Apple TimeMachine backup utility:
  WDBAAG0030HCH 3 TB, WDBAAG0020HCH 2 TB, WDBAAG0010HCH 1 TB, WDBAAG6400ECH 640 GB.
• My Book Studio LX - desktop external enclosure with smart display, FireWire 800, USB 2.0, compatible with Apple TimeMachine backup utility:
  WDBACH0030HAL 3 TB, WDBACH0020HAL 2 TB, WDBACH0010HAL 1 TB.
• My Book Duo with two HDD and with password protection
• easyStore Desktop

2.5" Portable WD drives with Hardware Encryption

USB connector is on drive's PCB board; The drive's controller board only has a USB connector; there is no SATA-to-USB board.

• MY PASSPORT ULTRA USB 3.0 drive with local/cloud back up options support with WD software, with password protection
• My Passport Essential pocket size enclosure with 500 Gb laptop hard drive. USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 with password protection:
  WDBACY5000ABK, WDBACY5000ASL, WDBACY5000ARD, WDBACY5000ABL, WDBACY5000AWT.
• My Passport for Mac external drive with password protection, USB connector is on drive’s PCB board:
  WDBBXV0010BBK 1 TB, WDBBXV7500ABK 750 GB, WDBL1D5000ABK 500 GB.
• easystore Portable