The SD Association recently revealed version 9.0 of the specifications for SD and microSD memory cards. This new release introduces new security-related features with support for Quick Start technologies (Quick boot) and safe (secure boot), as well as define a secure and hidden storage area, called RPMB (Restart the protected memory block). This area can only be accessed after a successful authentication process.
Version 9.0 also includes TCG Storage, a secure storage method with encryption specified by the Trusted Computing Group. This organization administers, for example, the TPM platform standard required by Windows 11.
All these elements will make it possible to securely boot the operating system or the installation process from the memory card.
Thus, it will be possible to boot Windows 11, or install it, from an SD or microSD card without compromising the safety of the computer thanks to the Secure Boot function.
Memory cards can also become the only storage medium for Chromebooks by hosting not only data, but also the operating system.
In addition, it can be used to host a file Firmware In devices such as drones, tablets, and surveillance cameras. This will make it easier to replace the storage if there is a hardware or software problem than if there is a chip soldered to the motherboard.
Alternative to hard drives
But these new security features will also take SD memory cards to a new level. Combined with the SD Express standard, it will make it possible to replace SSDs with SD or microSD cards. In fact, the new Gen4x2 version of the SD Express standard makes it possible to offer speeds of up to about 4 GB / s, the speed of a good current NVMe SSD.
In addition, security functions can be offered for any capacity, particularly on future SDUC (SD Ultra Capacity) cards capable of storing 2 to 128 TB of data. Again, it will be easier to replace the device storage device if something goes wrong.
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However, these new features are optional in the SD Association 9.0 specification. So SD and microSD card manufacturers can choose whether to implement it or not. Thus it will be necessary to be vigilant during a potential purchase.
source : SD . Association
