Kingston's DataTraveler 5000: The Most Secure USB Drive Ever?

Security often gets overlooked when we're talking about USB flash drives, but it's not to be taken lightly for those who carry around delicate files. Kingston has just introduced a new DataTraveler drive that's supposedly "ultra-secure," which means that it's "certified for government-approved secure data protection."

The DataTraveler 5000 is IPS 140-2 Level 2 certified with Level 3 pending, and features 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption. That's a lot of words to say that this is one of the most secure drives you could ever buy, and frankly, it's probably more than you'll ever need unless your a government spy. It uses XTS cipher mode and also uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) algorithms to meet Suite B standards approved by the U.S. government, so it's pretty safe to say that it'll keep your secret love letters safe as well.

The DataTraveler 5000 is available in 2- ($111), 4- ($185), 8- ($231) and 16GB($400) capacities. It will also be available with an onboard Malware scanning application via Kingston's extensive customization program. If you can believe it, Kingston even offers a special way for officials to buy this: "For its U.S. government customers, Kingston offers a variety of Trade Agreement Act-compliant (TAA) products and has a dedicated federal sales team in place." If you weren't taking this thing (and its high price tag) seriously, you should!

DataTraveler 5000 Features and Specifications:

• Dimensions: 3.06" x 0.9" x 0.47" (77.9mm x 22mm x 12.05mm)
• Capacities(1): 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB
• Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications
• Operating Temperature: 32 degrees F to 140 degrees F (0 degrees C to 60 degrees C)
• Storage Temperature: -4 degrees F to 185 degrees F (-20 degrees to 85 degrees C)
• Minimum System Requirements(2):
  • USB 2.0 compliant and 1.1 compatible
  • Two (2) free consecutive drive letters required for use
• FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Certified
• Secure: drive locks down after 10 intrusion attempts and encryption key is destroyed
  • Enforced complex pass protection: password is user set with minimum characteristics     to prevent unauthorized access
  • Passwords never stored on device
  • Hardware designed and assembled in the U.S.
  • SPYRUS Suite B on Board™
  • Elliptic curve cryptography
  • Secure channel communication
  • Digitally signed firmware updates using Suite B SHA-384 and ECDSA P-384
  • DT5000 can operate with AutoRun disabled
  • Enforces tamper-free AutoRun files
  • Fully customizable Malware scanning option(3)
• Cryptography: Made in the U.S.
• Full Privacy: 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) hardware-based encryption - master key recreated at logon
• Customizable(3): preload content, full security policy customization, casing options
• Tamper evident: tamper-evident coating/seal for physical security
• Waterproof(4): protected against water damage
• Guaranteed: five-year warranty with 24/7 customer support
• Ruggedized: waterproof and titanium-coated stainless steel casing

"The DataTraveler 5000 delivers unsurpassed levels of security and encryption to government and enterprise customers," said Mark Akoubian, business manager, Secure USB Products, Kingston®. "This portable data solution represents state-of-the-art data protection while providing end users with the simplicity of plug and play."

The DataTraveler 5000 utilizes patented Secured by SPYRUS™ technology which supports hardware-based 256-bit XTS-AES and Suite B cryptography, including ECC. Suite B algorithms were specifically selected and approved by the U.S. government and the Department of Defense for use in multinational data sharing environments including both classified and unclassified applications. XTS-AES mode is a cipher mode for encryption that is much stronger than CBC, ECB and other modes. SPYRUS, Inc., is the leader in the development of advanced hardware-based encryption, authentication and digital content security products.

FIPS 140-2 certification requires a validation process that meets federal requirements set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This is critical because many governmental agencies in the United States mandate that sensitive "data at rest" (i.e., all information not in the network) must be encrypted with the FIPS 140-2 standard. Level 2 means the DataTraveler 5000 has a tamper-evident construction which acts to notify any users if their drive has been tampered with. It also has a power-on self test that verifies the encryption mechanism is running properly each time the drive is plugged into a USB port. The drive is expected to receive a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certificate soon.