Up until now, the only strong protection for flash drive to prevent from hackers or data thieves is by using the strong 256-bit AES hardware encryption or by using special chip that would self-destruct when hack attempted (like the ironKey). That alone it for protecting the data from intruders, but it won’t be able to protect the flash drive physical body itself. If you need flash drive that has this type of “dual layer” hardware protection (which protect the data inside and at the same time it could protect the physical body of the flash drive), you could take a look at this Crypteks USB flash drive.

Crypteks USB flash drive is a super protected flash drive from inside (using 256-bit AES hardware encryption) and outside. the outside protection is secured with physical locking system with up to 14,348,907 possible combinations using 5 alphabets combination. You would never be able to remove the flash drive from this “outer shell” unless you open it up with the correct combination.

The Crypteks USB is made with heavy duty solid aluminum alloy construction and custom designed radial springs. You can rest assure that it could survive the sadistic drops when it’s store in the case. This flash drive is available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. But sadly it’s still using USB 2.0 interface at the moment.

Crypteks USB flash drive is available in from $130 and $160. You can check out more details at Kickstarter.

Crypteks USB: The Only Flash Drive With Dual ‘Hardware’ Encryption
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When 256-bit AES hardware encryption is not secure enough for you, you’ll definitely want to fine a better solution to store your extremely sensitive data. If you are in this situation, I believe you will love to add this new Kingston DataTraveler D6000 flash drive into your shopping list.

Kingston recently has updated their DataTraveler series of flash drive with this D6000. It is the stuff that when a single layer of AES 256-bit hardware encryption is too fragile. Aside the 256-bit protection, Kingston DataTraveler D6000 has more security feature to make sure you are peaceful with it. Or at least, even it’s stolen, the theft will never get a single data from the storage without a correct password.

The 256-bit AES hardware encryption is using XTS block cipher mode to make this even more difficult to crack, military-grade elliptic curve cryptography (EEC) and Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 level 3 validation also included into the system.

According to Kingston, the DataTraveler will automatically self-destroy when 10 intrusion attempted. Here is the full specification list if you want to know what it has got for you:

Features/Benefits:

• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated
• U.S. Department of Defense Data At Rest Tiger Team (DARTT) & USCYBERCOM approved
• Ultra-Strong Security Architecture
  – Drive locks down after 10 intrusion attempts and encryption
  key is destroyed
  – No passwords stored on device or host
  – Hardware designed and assembled in the U.S.
  – United States National Security Agency Suite B set of cryptographic on Board™
  – Elliptic curve cryptography
  – Secure channel communication
  – Digitally signed firmware updates using Suite B SHA-384 and ECDSA P-384
  – DT6000 can operate with AutoRun disabled
  – Enforces tamper-free AutoRun files
  – Cryptography made in the U.S.
• Enforced Complex Password – Password is user-set with a minimum of three of the four characteristics (lowercase, uppercase, characters and numbers) required to prevent unauthorized access
• Full Privacy – 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardwarebased encryption
  — master key recreated at logon
• Customizable – preload content, full security policy customization, casing options
• Tamper-Proof Physical Security Barrier
• Waterproof – protected against water damage
• Guaranteed – five-year warranty with 24/7 customer support
• Ruggedized – titanium-coated stainless steel casing

[Kingston via UberGizmo]

Kingston DataTraveler D6000 Flash Drive With Even More Security
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With the hacker in the neighborhood getting smarter and smarter, it’s very crucial for you to have any sort of encryption for your devices, especially the wireless one. Wireless LAN, wireless router, wireless phone, wireless mouse, wireless keyboard and so on. Hacker won’t attack your wireless mouse, but they will hack into your wireless LAN, router, phone or keyboard to know what you are doing, especially what you are typing. Is there any password input? credit card information to steal? or secret code to your bank vault? anything!

To solve this problem, almost all of the wireless device has been secured with built-in encryption. But not on a wireless keyboard where the data could be easily intercepted and deciphered through the thin air. Although there is some sort of software that come along with the wireless keyboard you’ve purchased, the encryption is done on the software side, after the key has been input and transferred to the computer. This still allow hacker to grab the data in the middle of the way.

To troubleshoot this, Microsoft has introduced their Wireless Desktop 2000 series wireless keyboard that is claimed to be the first wireless keyboard that comes with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-bit Encryption key. This should be the encryption on the hardware side, where every key stroke is properly encrypted before sending out the signal. AES 128-bit is also the same trusted technology and used by the U.S. government to secure most of their wireless connection. That means if you are using Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 series Keyboard, you are equal to using a solid secured keyboard for all of your keystrokes.

Along with the keyboard, Microsoft also pair it up with Wireless Mouse 2000 that has a nice side grips and comfortable design for both lefty or righty. In one set, Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 will be sold for $39.95 when it has hit the store. I’m going to get mine if there is a comfort curves series for this encrypted keyboard.

[via Microsoft]

Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000 Keyboard Offers 128-Bit Encryption
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The storage maker Transcend has just unveiled another new series of JetFlash flash drive known as JetFlash 200. What’s special on this version is that the flash drive has come with the most secure 256-bit AES enterprise hardware encryption along with their SecureDrive software to lock down your flash drive content. That means your flash drive is completely secured from naughty hands or even spy with hi-tech cracking tool will have a hard time to unlock the encryption.

Specification wise, Transcend JetFlash 200 flash drive is still using USB 2.0 interface with backward compatiblity with USB 1.1, has the weight of 7 grams only, can read at 17 MB/s, write at 5MB/s, has a nice checkered pattern and it’s been backed with the usual lifetime warranty.

Transcend JetFlash 200 flash drive will be available in three sizes, which includes 4GB (€14.90), 8GB (€24.90) and 16GB (€39.90).

[via Tech Connect]

Transcend Intros JetFlash 200 Flash Drive With Hardware Encryption
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Lexar has sprout out two new flash drive for backing up data called Echo MX and Echo ZX. These little puppies are equipped with 128-bit AES encryption and it’s been paired with Lexa Echo backup software. For the Echo MX version, this series has a nice to see and always-on capacity meter on the flash drive enclosure that you can figure out the available space even it’s been unplugged from the PC. Lexar Echo MX flash drive offers up to 30MB/s read speed, 17MB/s write speed and it’s available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.

Meanwhile, Lexar Echo ZX is a super tiny storage solution with large storage capacity. Its shape is looking like a nano receiver, but inside you can store up to 32GB of data. It’s also coming in the size of 8GB and 16GB with reading speed at 28MB/s and writing speed at 15MB/s. Especially on 8GB model, it has slower writing speed at 10MB/s only.

Our source has stated that Lexar Echo MX will start shipping in the Q1 of 2011, while Lexar Echo ZX is coming late in Spring 2011.

[TCMagazine]

Lexar Echo MX and Echo ZX Backup Flash Drives
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Verbatim, which often heard of their DVD discs or other recordable media, has hooped into the USB flash drive bandwagon by releasing their first Secure USB flash drive – The Secure ‘n’ Go USB Drive with 256-bit AES hardware encryption. The Verbatim Secure ‘n’ Go USB Drive has also equipped with an extra security feature, where if there are 20 wrong passwords attempted, the USB drive will automatically shredded the data inside leaving not a single readable/recoverable data.

To support the world, Verbatim Secure ‘n’ Go USB Drive also coming with a 90% less plastic than standard clamshell packaging. Verbatim Secure ‘n’ Go USB drive is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. The USB 2.0 Drive will come in a range of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, while they will cost 29 Euro, 58 Euro, and 99 Euro, respectively.

[via Verbatim Europe]

Verbatim Secure ‘n’ Go USB Drive With 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption and More
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Kanguru, the company that first introduced the 64GB flash drive last two years has dropped a new line of encrypted flash drive for the mass.

Known as the Kanguru Defender Basic, the flash drive has been equipped with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and it’s capable of transferring files up to 480MB/s using USB 2.0 interface.

Kanguru Defender Basic is coming in variety of sizes, ranging from 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and finally the largest 128GB. The price for the 2GB version is starting at $29.95.

[via SoftPedia, GadgetLite]

[TFTs and iTechnews]

Kanguru Defender Basic Hardware Encrypted Flash Drive
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Kingston DataTraveler 5000 Secure Flash Drive is now invading the Europe market, sniping on the government agencies and companies market as one of their secure portable data storing solution.

Since it’s a secure flash drive, Kingston DataTraveler 5000 features titanium-coated stainless steel casing with a tamper-evident design. It also has been equipped with AES 256-bit hardware-encryption, XTS cipher mode, and Elliptic curve cryptography ECC algorithms.

Kingstong DataTraveler 5000 flash drive is available in 4 different sizes, starting from 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB and they are all backed with a great 5-year warranty. You will be able to see them selling with price mark of 82 Euro, 103 Euro, 129 Euro and 298 Euro.

[Ubergizmo]

Kingston DataTraveler 5000 Secure Flash Drives Entering Europe
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Similar with IronKey flash drive, Swiss company Victorinox has released a new super secure flash drive called “Secure Pro” with built-in self-destruct mechanism. The mechanism of Victorinox flash drive will automatically get overheating then burn the NAND controller and memory chip when hacked.

Since it’s from Swiss company, the Victorinox Secure Pro flash drive uses the iconic Swiss Army Knife as the flash drive carrier. Bringing not only a super-secure flash drive into your pocket, it also coming with multi-function knives and tools for emergency uses.

As for the encryption, it’s the hardware-type, coming in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacity with AES256 encryption, fingerprint reader, and LED white light as your emergency torch light as well. The Victorinox Secure Pro will start shipping next month at prices going from £50 to £180.

[TechPowerUp via Gadgetell]

Victorinox Secure Pro: Super-Secure Flash Drive, Self Destruct When Hacked
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Often when we want to have a good and secure USB Flash drive, we will find those with both software and ‘hardware’ encryption features. As you’ve known, hardware encryption means there is some kind of ‘lock’ that will lock down your USB flash drive to be accessible without your permission and password.

IronKey flash drive is the very nice example of this flash drive. However, if you are going to use a ‘very dummy and native language’ to talk about a true Hardware encryption, you will get this amazingly simple but effective ‘hardware encrypted’ flash drive using the conventional steel lock to prevent the USB head to be plugged into the port. Brilliant.

The only downside right now is the locked-shaped USB Flash drive is a concept design by dialog05. No idea when we can actually find one and the pricing is unknown. Perhaps Etsy seller might want to grab this idea and turn it into a real merchandise.

[via GadgetHer]

The True Hardware Encrypted USB Drive
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IronKey has rolled out another series of Secure Flash drive dubbed as D200. This version of IronKey has a better security up to 3 level, adopting the AES 256-bit hardware encryption with active malware protection to your important data.

Key Features of IronKey D200:

• Includes new policy enforcement, usability and field-maintenance capabilities
• Ideal for users with high volume storage needs
• Cost effective memory is ideal for mass deployments
• Dual-channel architecture enables rapid data transfer rates
• Doubles as a strong authentication token
• Meets the rigorous security requirements for FIPS 140-2, Level 3 validation
• Provides secure management of encryption keys
• Self-defending against physical, malware and password attacks

Similar to the previous version of IronKey, D200 is also secured inside rugged enclosure to protect the critical components. It’s believed and claimed to be the world’s first USB flash drive to have such a high level security system and it will be a suitable device to store your company most crucial and sensitive data.

[Product Page]

IronKey D200 Secure USB Flash Drive with 3 Level Security System
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