iStorage datAshur PRO 64GB Encrypted USB Flash Drive Review

Security Features

Now that we know what the drive is all about, it is time to get more technical. After all, that’s what sets this drive apart from everything else.

Tamper Evident and Proof Design

iStorage built the drive in such a way that it isn’t possible to get inside without noticing it. In order to gain access to the critical components inside and tamper with them, you have to physically break the enclosure. That is something you’ll notice. The protection continues on the inside where all critical components are covered by a layer of super tough epoxy resin.

Even in the event that someone manages to get to this point, breaking the drive open and removing the resin without damaging the components, it won’t help them much. Why? Because next they are greeted by a Common Criteria EAL4+ Ready secure microprocessor in addition to several other impenetrable defence mechanisms.

Certified to the Latest Government Certifications

The diskAshur2 is certified to the latest government certifications which include FIPS 140-2 level 3, NCSC CPA, common criteria and NLNCSA. It is also compliant with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In the EU, if a company loses an EU citizens data, it can get really bad. You can be fined up to €20 million or 4% of your global turnover. Whichever is higher. But there’s no need to worry about such things in the event that your drive is stolen or you leave it on a train or bus. No one will get in and the controller complies with Article 34 of the GDPR.

Enhanced Encryption Technology

The drive offers advanced portable data security via built-in FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption engine. The security component employs physical protection mechanisms to protect itself from any external tamper, bypass.

The security lock feature protects the device against any unauthorised firmware modifications from the host side. That also means that it is fully protected against BadUSB.

Brute-Force Hacking Detection

The drive is protected against brute-force attacks too. While that’s a low-tech approach, it could be a viable one without this protection. If you fail to enter the user pin correctly 10 times, only the admin will be able to access the content. If that pin is entered wrong 10 times, all data will be lost too and a new encryption key will be generated by the built-in random number generator.

Wear Resistant Keypad

You don’t want to give possible attackers anything to work with, which includes not writing the pin on a sticker and place that on the drive. That’s a given. But what about the keypad? Well, there is nothing to worry about with a datAshur Pro. The keypad is epoxy coated for wear resistance which means that continuous use and worn down keys won’t expose you.

Drive Customisation

iStorage offers a lot of customization features for their drives, allowing you to get a drive which matched its usage. It begins small with laser etching on the sleeve. As you can see in the photo below, the company added my name to the drive before sending it out. This isn’t a time-consuming process either as it didn’t affect delivery time in any way. You can also get a message printed on the side of the drive, for example: If found, call ‘your number here’.

The datAshur Pro can also be completely rebranded so that it reflects your company’s individual look, but a minimum order quantity (MOQ) applies here.

The drives can be sent out with unique pre-programmed PINs for both user and admins and it’s even possible to get files or software pre-installed onto the drive. A true out-of-the-box usage.