The issues were identified during routine quality audits that LSI's SF-2000 Series Controllers don't operate at its specified Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption. The controller operates at only 128-bit encryption, but there's no need to panic. The SandForce SSDs are protected by two separate encryption engines, a 256-bit engine on the front end and another 128-bit engine on the back end. It is the front end 256-bit engine that currently works at only 128-bit encryption.

LSI is working with all parties to correct the problem and enable full 256-bit AES encryption on the respective SSDs. In fact, LSI says that "the necessary hardware and firmware updates are currently in process to enable full 256-bit encryption for those customers who need it."

 Intel and Kingston have provided official responses to the issue to address concerns of its users. Intel is offering a refund and has updated its specification sheet to reference AES 128-bit encryption. Kingston states that its customers will be "taken care of" and will be able to swap out drives when true 256-bit AES encryption becomes available. This points more of a hardware issue that can't simply be corrected by a firmware update. We have reached out to OCZ Technology for a response but at the time of the story release, no official response has been issued with regards to its SF-2000 Series based SSD drives.