14 DAY TRIAL // Portable data-storage and digital-encryption specialist iStorage has just revealed that its product lineup includes a portable storage device capable of guaranteeing the integrity and confidentiality of all stored data. Known as the diskGenie portable hard drive, the unit leverages both AES 256-bit hardware encryption as well as ATM style PIN code access, thus ensuring a complete information security, even if it were to be removed from its enclosure.
The diskGenie is iStorage's method of eliminating, in advance, the possibility of organizations breaching the Data Protection Act. Not so long ago, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) revealed that the number of incidents of personal data loss had increased so much that new, more drastic, measures were to be taken. Starting with April 6th, 2010, new regulations will have organizations facing fines of up to £500,000 in case of breaches of confidential information. iStorage is presenting the diskGenie as a means to ensure this confidentiality and provide such organizations with an added sense of security.
“The ICO’s position is clear. All personal information must be protected by adequate security to prevent theft or the loss of that data, or face a fine. The majority of security breaches occur where the confidential data has been stored on an unencrypted portable device,” John Michael, managing director of iStorage, said. “Organisations need to give serious consideration to minimising the risks of loss by ensuring that all portable media devices containing personal information are encrypted. diskGenie is a secure and easy to use solution offering government grade AES 256-bit hardware encryption and PIN code access in a small, compact package.”
Reported data breaches over the past two years amount to 800 and diskGenie aims to be a solution for this problem. It was recently named the ‘Gadget of the Week’ with a score of 5/5 by the technology editor of The Times, where it was described as “a beautifully executed solution to the problem of keeping your backup data as secure as the data on your PC.” The diskGenie comes in storage capabilities of up to 500GB and has a compact but robust design that also makes the drive shock-proof. It is described in the press release as “an absolute necessity for those wishing to protect files from theft or accidental loss,” even while it is simple to install and in need of no special software.
The 250GB, 320GB and 500GB diskGenie drives measure 19mm X 84.5mm X 120mm and weigh 6.2 oz. They are compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, come with a three-year, limited warranty and have prices of £116.33, £139.83 and £175.08, respectively.