Kingston DataTraveler Flash Drive Has Government-Level Security

Kingston's DataTraveler brand is one that many different flash drives bear, and it seems that the latest to be sold under is is a model that features a particularly high level of data security.

Flash drives come in a very wide variety, depending on not just their size, shape and capacity, but also on performance and level of data protection.

Kingston can safely say it has a significant collection of so-called secure flash drives, with assets like hardware encryption, pre-loaded antivirus software, etc.

The newest DataTraveler drive, dubbed 4000-M Managed (DT4000-M), is intended for enterprise deployments, has government-grade reliability and protection and is FIPS 120-2 Level 2 certified.

"Data loss resulting from unsecure and unmanaged USB use has plagued organizations long enough,” said Anders Kjellander, Chief Security Office, BlockMaster.

“The 100-percent secure and 100-percent managed DT4000-M is a SafeConsoleReady device that will attract a lot of attention."

One thing about it is the 256-bit AES data encryption in CBC mode. Additionally, password protection prevents unauthorized access, with the encryption key set to be destroyed after 10 intrusion attempts (the drive locks down as well).

Among the things that can be customized are password length and character types, the preload content and even the number of password attempts.

What's more, the stainless steel casing is coated in titanium, for physical endurance, while a seal makes it tamper-evident.

All of the above, plus TAA compliance and storage capacities of 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB are packed inside a frame measuring 3.06 x 0.9 x 0.47 inches (77.9mm x 22mm x 12.05mm).

As for performance, reading and writing tasks are accomplished at up to 18MB/s and 10MB/s, respectively.

“Recent data loss statistics and events underscore the critical enterprise need - not just for secure USB drives - but for corporate-wide secure USB drive strategies,” said John Terpening, secure USB business manager, Kingston.

“The DT4000-M provides the right level of security with the right level of cost, flexibility and ease-of-use.”