Notice to lovers of total protection! Kingston has just released the IronKey Keypad 200, a high-security USB key with keypad for entering an encryption PIN code. Perfect for taking sensitive data everywhere with you!
The USB key is undoubtedly the most popular removable storage system in computing and high-tech. Compact and light – a few centimeters and a few grams – and therefore easy to carry, it is also easy to handle: just plug it into a USB port to access the data it contains, without having to install or configure anything. But now, this data is sometimes very confidential and can arouse the greed of pirates – to have information on its competitor or to resell it at high prices on the Internet for example. Therefore, taking them with you is very risky, since you can have your device stolen or hacked by connecting to a third-party computer. That’s why Kingston, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of RAM and storage devices, has developed IronKey Keypad 200 (KP200), the first device on the market to offer the latest level of FIPS140-3 data security.
Kingston IronKey Keypad 200: a tamper-proof USB key
On the pure storage side, the IronKey Keypad 200 does not really stand out from the myriad of USB keys available on the market. In terms of capacity, it is available in versions ranging from 8 to 128 GB, which is not extraordinary – there are models offering 1 TB or even 2 TB on the market. Ditto for the speed: because if it is USB 3.2 Gen1 compatible, it is satisfied with a maximum speed of 145 MB / s and 115 MB / s in writing, which is very correct, but nothing more. In fact, the IronKey Keypad 200 is absolutely not aiming for performance or capacity records, only total security.
Thus, like other USB keys of the same type, it incorporates a mini alphanumeric keyboard for entering a security code. It is also protected against physical threats – such as access to electronic components via a Brute Force or BadUSB type attack – thanks to a layer of epoxy – a hardening material that makes the device inviolable. In addition, the keypad is coated with a protective polymer layer to prevent fingerprint scanning after entering a code! But above all, it is equipped with very sophisticated encryption devices, so as to completely protect the data it contains. Thus, in addition to the classic XTS-AES 256-bit encryption for data encryption, it is the first memory device to have passed laboratory certification tests for the latest level of military security, FIPS 140-3 Level 3. from NISTl. A great guarantee against intrusions!
The IronKey Keypad 200 unlocks without the need for software, using the keypad and a PIN code, and is then used like any USB Type A flash storage device. For added security, there is has both an Admin PIN and a User PIN. If the User forgets his password or a wrong code has been entered ten times, everything is blocked – but the Administrator can restore access. On the other hand, if the Admin PIN code is entered incorrectly ten times in a row, the key is immediately encrypted, which destroys all the data – which will then not fall into the wrong hands. To avoid any penetration via malicious software – which would be located in the computer used – it is possible to switch to “Read only” mode. All these functions make it possible to transport sensitive data in a flexible and secure way, making the Keypad 200 a tool that will appeal to government agencies, the military and large companies. Because this USB key is not intended for everyone: who says very high security says very high price.