Encrypted External Drive Uses Keypad
Apricorn's external drive provides a keypad for extra security.
Apricorn has announced the availability of its Aegis Padlock Secure Drive, an external USB HDD with a built-in keypad that allows up to 10 PIN (personal identification number) passkeys for added security. While this may seem like overkill, the real-time 128-bit or 256-bit hardware encryption certainly prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the drive.
"With no software installation required for setup or operation, the Aegis Padlock Secure Drive provides stress free deployment in corporate environments," the company said. "Its Administrator Feature allows enrollment of up to ten unique user ID’s and one administrator, making it a useful business collaboration tool."
According to Aproicorn, the drive is completely bus powered, meaning the drive doesn't depend on an AC adaptor. The drive also features a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system to protect the data from rough handling, and the integrated USB cable makes it easy to plug and play anywhere without the need to drag along extra cable. Although formatted for Windows-based systems, users can re-format the drive for use with a Mac or Linux system without altering the drive's encryption abilities
Additionally, the specifications reveal that the drive has a transfer rate of up to 480 Mbp/s (via a USB 2.0 interface), has an RPM of 5400, and features an average seek time of 12 ms. The drive also comes in three unique flavors: 250 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB, with pricing ranging from $99 to $159. Interested consumers can purchase the drive directly from Apricorn's website.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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grieve i like it... the keypad is cool.Reply
I wonder how durable the keypad is and ultimatly if you break the keypad is there any possible way to get the Data? (defeating the purpose of the keypad) -
I'd just opt for a Truecrypt volume, steganography is much sneakier than a keypad, and there's plausible deniability if needed, whereas with the keypad, if somebody's holding a gun to your head, you're going to give them the PIN...Reply
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huron Very interesting. Reasonable pricing as well. I like the multiple user accounts feature too.Reply -
theblackbird A lot of hardware security solutions have been proven to be ineffective. Lots of them have been hacked pretty easily. I'd put my trust in TrueCrypt and be done with it.Reply