Here is our review of the recently released diskAshur PRO 3 SSD encrypted drive from iStorage.
In a world where safeguarding your valuable data is a priority, the iStorage diskAshur PRO3 is the ultimate choice for ensuring top-of-the-line data security.
Introducing the iStorage diskAshur PRO3 – a state-of-the-art portable HDD/SSD that sets a new benchmark in effortless data security. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, this brand-new device ensures unparalleled protection for your data.
The diskAshur PRO3 HDD/SSD is pending the new FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation standard. The recent successful evaluation and issuance of the CAVP certificates demonstrates compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules.
Specifications
Features
- Incorporates a Common Criteria EAL 5+ certified secure microprocessor
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Validated (pending)
- FIPS PUB 197 validated encryption algorithm
- Encryption keys are always encrypted whilst at rest
- Brute force hack defence mechanism
- Tamper proof and evident design
- IP56 Certified – Dust and water resistant
- Immune to BadUSB – diskAshur PRO3 HDDs/SSDs are not vulnerable to malicious attacks
- PIN authenticated (8-64 digits – alphanumeric keypad)
- Wear resistant epoxy coated keypad
- No speed degradation – as fast as any non-encrypted HDD/SSD
- Kensington Security Lock Slot
- Read only (write protect) & read/write modes
- Unattended auto lock feature – programmable lock after a predetermined amount of time
- Supports independent user and admin PINs
- Drive reset – deletes all data/PINs/encryption key and resets the drive to factory default setting
- Compatible with: smartphones, tablets, PC/laptops, printers, scanners, CCTV cameras
- Auto lock on removal
- 3 year manufacturer’s warranty (HDD & SSD)
Who are iStorage?
From their website:
iStorage is the trusted global leader of PIN authenticated, hardware encrypted data storage devices, that include: USB Flash Drives, Hard Disk Drives, and Solid State Drive formats. We deliver the most innovative products to securely store and protect data to Military specified encryption levels, safeguarding your valuable business information whilst ensuring compliance to regulations and directives.
The iStorage range of products are accredited across the range, include FIPS 197 (Advanced Encryption Standard, Computer Security Standard, Cryptography), FIPS 140-2 Level 2 (Tamper Evident, and seals), FIPS 140-2 Level 3 (Responding to attempts of a Physical attack), IP57 (Protected from limited dust ingress and water immersion up to 1M), CESG (National Technical Authority for Information Assurance), CCTM (Claims Tested Mark).
What’s in the box?
The box contains the diskAshur PRO3, instructions, two cables and a carry case.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The diskAsur3 PRO is bigger than some of the previous iStorage USB drives we have reviewed. It’s still fairly lightweight though so you can carry it around without feeling like you are dragging a brick around!
Including a carry case is also a great idea – it not only keeps the drive clean but it keeps it safe too!
Using the drive is very simple – just enter your code and the drive is ready to use. When you have finished with the drive just remove it and it locks automatically.
One nice feature is the ability to have an Admin code on the drive, so if you forget your code you can use that one to gain access.
You may be wondering why the drive has a keypad and why you wouldn’t just use the keyboard on your computer to unlock the drive. It’s to stop keyloggers and brute force attacks from gaining access to the drive.
If you enter your code incorrectly 15 times in a row (for example if someone else is trying to guess your code) the user code is deleted. The only way to access the drive is to use the Admin code and reset the user code. If the Admin code is then entered incorrectly 15 times in a row that too is deleted and this time all the data on the drive is also deleted thus protecting whatever you stored on it, so you should feel safe in the knowledge that whatever happens your data is safe and secure.
The drive is recharged when it is plugged into a powered USB port, so don’t worry too much about it losing charge.
Using the drive is simple – once you have entered the PIN you use it just like any other drive, only everything stored on the drive is encrypted.
You can set your own unique Self Destruct PIN which can instantly delete the encryption key, all PINs, all data and then creates a new encryption key so that the drive is blank.
There is also an auto-lock feature which you can set. This will automatically lock the drive after a set period of time.
The keypad is even coated with a wear resistant epoxy so that you can’t tell which keys have been pressed more than others. When it comes to security, every little bit helps!
You also get a lifetime licence to Nero BackItUp software and a 1 year licence iStorage DriveSecurity free!
This is hands-down the best encrypted drive I’ve ever used and I can highly recommend it!
The diskAshur PRO 3 SSD encrypted drive from iStorage is available now in a range from sizes started at 512GB and going up to a whopping 16TB. The drive reviewed here is the 2TB version which retails for around £660. There are also HDD versions too if you prefer those to SSDs.
