14 DAY TRIAL // There are users out there that find data safety more important than pure transfer speed or pretty looks so Apricorn just extended its line of Aegis Padlock secure portable hard drives with two new 750GB models that offer improved data security.
Measuring just 19x84.5x120mm the Aegis Padlock drives come equipped with an integrated keypad, letting their users secure the information stored via a PIN code, allowing up to 10 PIN passkeys to be used.
After setting the PIN code, the drive will encrypt all of your data with a military grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-128 or 256-bit algorithm (depending on the unit purchased), all the information being seamlessly encrypted in real-time.
The drive connects to your computer via an integrated USB cable, Aegis also adding a “Self Destruct” feature to the Padlock, that prevents brute force attacks by destroying the encryption key and locking itself, rendering all the stored data useless, after a predetermined number of failed PIN entries.
But its anti-cracking features don't stop here as the Padlock comes with an advanced Variable Time Circuit (VTC) technology that detects and prevents “timing attacks” aimed at accessing the drive by studying its behavior and infiltrating the Padlock’s electronics.
Other features include a wear resistant keypad, to prevent the keys from wearing out unevenly, a compact and rugged design which uses a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system as well as the possibility of setting up a master password.
Pricing for the 750GB Aegis Padlock external drives is set at US $179, if you go for AES-128 bit encryption, the 256-bit AES 750GB drive setting you back $199.
End of it all, I have to admit this is one of the most interesting secure storage solutions that I have seen in a long time, along with the Icy Box IB-Safe226 that is.