[nemo1618]

Interesting! Do you happen to know which encryption algorithm is used? I would think that, if the only goal is whitening (as opposed to robust security), a fairly weak algorithm would be used, or perhaps a strong algorithm with a reduced number of rounds.

[sigstoat]

the hardware is going to use AES because their ASIC vendor will have well tested AES IP that they can just throw down on the chip. any other algorithm would require massive development effort for zero benefit.

and by using AES they can probably claim to satisfy some security standards that will make their marketing people happier.

[dspillett]

It would need to be a fairly good algorithm to provide good "whitening", but they could be using a small or easy to guess/derive keys especially if the primary purpose is just whitening rather than security.

[theandrewbailey]

The algorithm probably depends on the drive, but AES-256 is common due to hardware acceleration. Read a SSD spec sheet sometime, it will likely mention it, along with supporting TCG Opal (the self encrypting drive standard).