14 DAY TRIAL // Last week, a critical security flaw was detected in a number of flash drives. While the drives were supposedly designed with data encryption and password protection, some of them had a critical vulnerability. This flaw enabled hackers to manipulate the password protection so as to no longer restrict access, instantly allowing access to the stored files. Kingston has already started a program for the replacement of the affected drives.
Among the companies that were also found to have sold flash drives with a similar vulnerability are Sandisk and Verbatim. Kingston has developed a better security solution and has begun to replace the products with newer drives that have a better security architecture.
"We have decided the best way to address this problem is to offer our customers replacement units that incorporate newer and stronger security architecture," John Holland, vice president, U.S. sales, Kingston, said. "Since we were first notified of the potential hack, we have concluded that exchanging drives is the proper solution for our customers."
The 'secure' USB flash drives that were found to be susceptible to attacks, and that are now being replaced, are flash storage units from the DataTraveler line. The list includes the DataTraveler BlackBox (DTBB), the DataTraveler Secure – Privacy Edition (DTSP) and the DataTraveler Elite – Privacy Edition (DTEP). The company was notified of the security architecture's weakness in December, by a third-party security consulting firm.
Affected consumers will be offered replacements for their vulnerable external flash storage models. A FIPS-certified unit will be the substitute for the DataTraveler BlackBox, whereas the DataTraveler Vault – Privacy Edition will assume the role of the DTSP and DTEP drives.
Consumers that own the aforementioned devices may wish to visit the special page of the official website. They will find there the appropriate phone numbers for contacting Kingston’s Customer Service Department.