Encryption Key for My Book External Drives

WD External and Portable SSD External SSD for Windows
1

I am considering purchasing the WD 8TB External Hard Drive, WDBBGB0080HBK. Will I receive an encryption key if/when it fails so that the data backed up to the drive can be recovered? If there is no encryption supplied, how can the data be recovered?

2

Hi,

You could refer to the following link: External Drive: Hardware Encryption Compatibility Matrix

3

Thank you Jonty. I appreciate the quick and response.

Hal

4

The encryption key is stored on the drive itself, both at the end of the user area in a hidden SmartWare section, and in the reserved System Area on the platters. At least that’s the case for earlier My Book products.