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ZDNET Highlights
- iStorage datAshur Pro+C Encrypted USB Type-C Flash Drive, available here Amazon starts at $98..
- A very tough, very secure, easy-to-use keypad.
- If you’re new to encrypted drives, the setup and unlocking process can feel a little daunting at first.
Just as you wouldn’t dream of keeping valuable data on your smartphone or computer without setting a passcode, it’s equally important to store sensitive information on a USB flash drive. Why take the risk?
Plus, if you’re navigating the complex world of data regulations — like HIPAA, CCPA, or GDPR — using unencrypted drives can quickly put you in a tricky legal situation. So, let us keep your data safe and your compliance in check.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing it. iStorage Data Shore Pro+Cthe world’s first FIPS 140-3 Level 3 PIN-protected hardware encrypted USB Type C flash drive.
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iStorage datAshur Pro+C Features and Specifications
- Hardware: USB 3.2 (Gen 1) SuperSpeed USB
- Interface: USB Type-C with Type-A adapter included.
- Data transfer rate: Read speed up to 310MB/s | Write speed up to 246MB/s.
- Battery: 3.7V lithium polymer rechargeable battery
- Abilities: 32, 128, 256, and 512 GB
- Water/Dust Pof: IP68 (pending)
- Operating system compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, thin clients, zero clients, embedded systems, Citrix, and VMware — this drive will work if it has a USB port and can access external storage
- Hardware data encryption: AES–XTS 256-bit full-disk hardware encryption
- affirm: World’s first and only USB flash drive, new FIPS 140-3 Level 3 pending.
- Encryption keys: 256-bit hardware
- Hashing: 256-bit SHA
- Warranty: Three-year warranty with free lifetime technical support
The datAshur Pro+C is a flash drive with a built-in numeric keypad that allows data stored on the drive to be protected using hardware-based AES–XTS 256-bit full-disk encryption. If that feature set sounds a little technical, don’t worry about it. All you need to know is that as long as you keep your eight- to 15-digit PIN code secure, the data on the drive is safe.
And if you’re worried that someone can access the data by trying to guess the PIN code, fear not. The drive features built-in brute force protection. If the User PIN is entered incorrectly 10 times in a row, the User PIN will be deleted. All the data is still on the drive, but it can now only be accessed by entering an admin PIN.
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If someone tries the same trick with an admin PIN and enters the code incorrectly 10 times in a row, it’s game over because the PIN, encryption key, and all data on the drive will be wiped and forever will end for At this point, the drive will revert to factory default settings and will need to be formatted before it can be used.
In short, this is a military-grade drive that’s about as secure as it gets. But high-level security doesn’t end there.
All internal workings are covered in a layer of extremely hard epoxy resin, which is nearly impossible to remove without damaging the internal components.
And don’t worry that the keypad is going to wear out. All pads are coated with a layer of polymer that protects the keys and hides key usage, so the keys you use the most don’t show extra wear, possibly to anyone you know. Tap with the PIN code.
But what about the risk of external damage? Again, this is not a problem.
The datAshur PRO+C is built tough and comes with a rugged extruded aluminum sleeve to protect the keypad. The drive is designed to withstand drops of up to four meters onto a concrete surface, can withstand a vehicle weight of 2.7 tonnes, survive submersion under 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, and dust, dirt , and will resist it. Enter the sand.
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It’s an incredibly tough drive that’s built to outlast what most consumers get their hands on.
And when it comes to performance, it’s no slouch, with read speeds clocking in at 310MB/s, and write speeds of up to 246MB/s. I benchmarked this drive on both Windows and Mac systems and found that I got results within 5% of the stated specs, which is acceptable.
If you’re new to the world of encrypted USB flash drives, be prepared for the initial setup to feel a little overwhelming the first few times you use the device. Most people worry unnecessarily about forgetting their PIN code or accidentally deleting their data. Don’t worry — after using the drive a few times, it’ll feel like second nature.
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ZDNET’s shopping advice
When it comes to encrypted flash drives, iStorage dataAshur PRO+C One of the best you can buy. It’s built to be highly secure and highly rugged, protecting your data from both tampering and drive damage.
With capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB, you only need to pay for the storage you need. And with prices starting at a reasonable $98, this drive is hard to beat.
Credit : www.zdnet.com
