Toshiba Releases New, Key-Size Encrypted USB Flash Drive

Becoming more aware about privatizing your personal data? Toshiba has an answer for home storage deployments.

The Irvine, Calif.-based company on Feb. 3 unveiled its Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive, a key-size device of up to 32GB in capacity that utilizes a hardware-based encryption process to deliver military-grade AES 256-bit encryption.

The new drive uses a built-in mini-keyboard to authenticate access, incorporating a rechargeable battery so the user can enter a secure code before plugging into a USB port.

Notable Features

–Users simply enter their secure PIN and plug the drive into any USB 2.0 port on a compatible device.

–Once access is granted, the drive unlocks the media, permitting clearance to all of the content stored on the drive.

–When the drive is removed from a USB port, the drive automatically re-locks and encrypts the stored media.

The drive is now available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities.

If the storage drive becomes lost or stolen, it is equipped with a brute force hack defense mechanism that will render all stored information irrecoverable after 10 consecutive unsuccessful attempts to enter the secure PIN, Toshiba said.

The drive also carries a FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) Publication 140-2 Level 3 certification, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a certification often required by government agencies and other data security sensitive industries, such as healthcare and finance. The Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive incorporates DataLock® Technology by ClevX, LLC.

Pricing and Availability

Starting Feb. 3, the Encrypted USB Flash Drive became available for purchase at select retailers and at this Website. Pricing ranges from $95 MSRP for the 4GB model, to $112 for the 8GB model, to $140 for the 16GB edition and $200 for the 32GB model.