Computex 2023 – Maktar Nukii: a USB key whose access is protected by a smartphone


The Nukii USB flash drive designed by Maktar is protected by a smartphone application. On first use, the key is associated with the account created on the application. Thereafter, simply launch the application and then stick the Nukii USB key to the smartphone to unlock it via NFC. The key is then readable by any device. Upon removal, it locks automatically.

Unlocking the key in NFC using the smartphone.

The addition of access to a third party (who must download the application and create an account).

The addition of access to a third party (who must download the application and create an account).

Compared to USB keys protected by software solutions, the advantage is compatibility, since once unlocked with the smartphone, the key works like any other USB key. Compared to biometric solutions, such as USB keys with a fingerprint reader (Lexar JumpDrive Fingerprint F35), the solution offered by the Nukii key allows third party access to be authorized remotely. The person must still install the application and create an account. The owner of the key can authorize access via email or by scanning a QR Code (see photo). Compared to mechanical protections by PIN code (Corsair Flash Padlock or Kingston IronKey Keypad), the Nukii key allows you to revoke access to the key remotely as well.

Be careful all the same with this type of device depending on a smartphone application: if the latter is no longer updated, it is possible to encounter incompatibility problems and therefore, in the long term, to no longer be able to access the data.

The key is launched through a crowdfunding platform in Taiwan on the Webay platform. It costs €60 for the 128 GB model, €73 for the 256 GB model and €130 for the 1 TB version.

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