Methods and a system for secure data storage are described. In particular, a digital storage system for storing and retrieving user data is described, said system comprising: one or more independent digital storage devices, each digital storage device comprising a data storage device configured to store user data; a switch for regulating a supply of electrical power to the or each data storage device; and a security module for activating the switch and for storing timing restrictions that define a time window. The switch may only be activated to power the data storage device during the time window, improving the security of the user data.