Encased in metal and wrapped in encryption, this is the only way to keep your data safe and it looks good too!

This super tough, ultra-compact SSD is pretty fast. I got 176MBs write and 185MBs read which is more than most people will need for anything except 4K video editing. IP56 certified against water, dust and grit, with a crush-resistant aluminium enclosure and built-in USB 3.0 cable, your data is protected well beyond just encryption. The Aegis Padlock SSD’s resilient design makes it perfect for travel, in fact, it has joined me on trips to Dubai, New York, Paris and well… Bristol, and has served as my main backup drive for media on recent photo and video commisions.

IP56 certified against water and dust and grit, with a crush-resistant aluminium enclosure and built-in USB 3.0 cable, your data is protected well beyond just encryption
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This is my favourite Apricorn product, principally because of its small size, robust metal construction, ultra-fast USB 3.1 (3.0) data transfer speeds, and software-free operation. The 100% hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption hides elegantly behind solid engineering and practical design, leaving you free to get on with your job. Just relax and know all your important data is encrypted on the fly, the PINs and data remaining encrypted even while the drive is at rest.

For the super paranoid rest assured that the Aegis Padlock’s FIPS 140-2 validation covers 11 areas of its cryptographic security system, including physical security, cryptographic key management and design integrity.

The FIPS 140-2 Level 2 encryption validation encompasses both the Padlock SSD’s physical tamper-resistant features as well as its identity-based authentication. Tested and validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use by the Federal governments of the USA, Canada and others, the Aegis Padlock SSD Drive is based on Apricorn’s FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated encryption module as indicated by certificate #2835. The Padlock SSD’s security policy is located on the NIST site at the following link. The epoxy coated boundary includes all encryption functions and all Critical Security Parameters (CSPs) such as PIN storage, encryption key generation and storage, random number and seed generators, and all firmware storage.

Tested and validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use by the Federal governments of the USA, Canada and others, the Aegis Padlock SSD Drive is the business
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Completely cross-platform compatible and OS agnostic, the Padlock SSD thrives with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Chrome, it even worked when I plugged it into the back of an HD projector, acting as a media drive. All internal componentry is protected from physical tampering with a layer of hardened epoxy, firmly secured inside the metal shell and its firmware is locked down to prevent any tampering, making it impervious to malware attacks and any but the largest of hammers.

It is Aegis Configurator Software & Configurator Hub compatible, a Windows-Based app and accompanying powered drive dock that quickly sets up multiple devices simultaneously. We tested it back in January with the Aegis Secure Key 3z and can see it being an excellent and secure time-saver for companies rolling out drives like these to multiple staff. The Configurator lets you create custom profiles and mass configures multiple devices in a matter of seconds using the Aegis Configurator and Hub.

When programmed and activated this Self Destruct PIN performs a crypto-erase
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However its coolest feature is the self-destruct PIN, so when you are up against evil international spies, cornered in a crumbling dock-side warehouse and down to your last bullet (I know… Round) you can punch in your secret PIN, wiping all the data for good before you chamber your solitary ‘Round’ and cop-out. When programmed and activated this PIN of last resort performs a crypto-erase. Truly the last line of defence for data security when the device’s physical security is at risk.

Truly the last line of defence for data security when the device’s physical security is at risk the Self Destruct feature has you covered
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This is a great external drive and the price is very reasonable for the quality of the product. This SSD goes everywhere with me and my only regret is I didn’t get the 2TB version as I can’t seem to stop producing data! Tech Trends highly recommends the Aegis Padlock USB 3 SSD and advises you to look at the other products from Apricorn, all of which are truly excellent quality. If your data is worth keeping, it is worth keeping safe.

Specifications:

RRP: 120GB – 2TB – $249.00 – $1,039.00 US & £185 – £750 UK

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital

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