Cryptographic Ignition Key (CIK) embedded in removable data cartridge

Systems and methods using a removable data storage device having an embedded cryptographic ignition key (CIK) are provided. In one embodiment, a CIK device is embedded into a removable data cartridge used to transfer information for cryptographic processing to a host system. When the removable data cartridge is interfaced with the host system, the CIK device communicates a CIK used to authenticate a user so that the data subject to cryptographic processing can be transferred to and/or otherwise processed by the host system. Once user authentication has occurred, the removable data cartridge can transfer data to the host system for cryptographic processing.