IronKey Vault Privacy 80 external SSD: secure, but slow and expensive

Kingston’s DataTraveler USB flash drives are an attractive option for users who require data encryption and password protection. The new IronKey Vault Privacy 80 external SSD, on the other hand, plays in a completely different category. This USB drive uses hardware encryption technology that was originally developed for military and government use.

Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 – Best Prices:

Multi-OS operation

Prices start around 360 euros for a storage capacity of 480 GB. The 960 GB model costs around 458 euros and the high-end version at 1.92 TB costs 633 euros. It’s much more expensive than a regular SSD, but the accessory is FIPS 197 certified and offers XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption using a Common Criteria EAL5+ certified secure microprocessor.

Images: Cliff Joseph/ZDNET

Some similar drives require you to create and enter passwords using software running on the host PC. Not this one. Vault Privacy 80’s security features are completely OS-independent and are controlled by a small touchscreen LCD display built into the drive itself. The resistive screen isn’t as responsive as a smartphone or tablet, Kingston even recommends using a stylus to enter your password on the screen. It is quite possible, however, to use your finger, provided you are careful to press the right keys.

The plethora of security features makes getting started a little complicated. The IronKey reader may be best suited for larger companies with an IT manager who can manage a fleet of devices.

Disappointing speeds

The drive has a standard USB-C interface and can be connected to a PC, Mac, Linux or Chrome OS computer using the included USB-C or USB-A cables. the box. The player will then ask you to create an administrator password. There is also the possibility of creating a user password to properly split the two roles. Both passwords unlock the drive, but the administrator password allows IT managers to unlock the drive if a user forgets their own password.

Administrators can also configure a host of security features, including choosing between a PIN or password of up to 64 characters. The password can also include spaces, allowing users to choose easy-to-remember song lyrics or other passphrases. The disk’s operating system is also designed to protect against brute force attacks and wipes the disk if an incorrect PIN or passphrase is entered 15 times (administrators can also change this number if needed).

Image: Cliff Joseph/ZDNET

The only problem with this high level of security is that the IronKey isn’t exactly the fastest drive on the market. Kingston mentions read and write speeds of 250MB/s, but our test model barely achieved read and write speeds of 215MB/s and 200MB/s respectively. That’s the kind of performance you’d expect from a good hard drive, rather than an SSD. However, some companies will probably find this compromise acceptable given the security offered by the accessory.

If your storage needs are more modest, Kingston has also launched a USB drive called the IronKey Vault Privacy 50. Available with storage capacities ranging from 8 to 256 GB – and a USB-A interface – the drive packs many similar features to those of the disc we are testing here. However, the dongle lacks a touchscreen and relies on built-in software that runs on the host computer. The IronKey Vault Privacy 50 is compatible with Windows 8.1 or later and macOS 10.14 or later.

Features

• 
  Interface : USB 3.2 Gen 1
• 
  Connector : USB-C
• 
  Housing material : zinc + plastic
• 
  Abilities : 480GB, 960GB, 1920 GB
• 
  Speed : up to 250 MB/s read, 250 MB/s write.
• 
  Dimensions : 122.5mm x 84.2mm x 18.5mm
• 
  Operating temperature : 0°C to 45°C
• 
  Storage temperature : -20°C to 60°C
• 
  USB compatibility : USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1
• 
  OS compatibility : independent of the operating system – Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS or any system that supports a USB mass storage device.
• 
  Guarantee : 3 year limited warranty.
• 
  In the box : IronKey Vault Privacy 80, neoprene travel case, USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 cable, USB-C to USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 cable.
• 
  Price :360 € (480 GB) – 458 € (960 GB) – 633 € (1.92 TB).

In alternatives

Here are some other secure USB drives on the market:

Both USB sticks are dust and water resistant. IP68 for the Aegis Secure Key 3NX, and IP57 for the datAshur BT.

Source: “ZDNet.com”