While it’s handy to always have an encrypted SSD on hand (like the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80), sometimes it helps to have a smaller, more portable device.
If you want to get your hands on such an item, look no further than the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 USB Flash Drive.
Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 – Best Prices:
LDLC159.95
Amazon Marketplace159.98
Features and Compatibility
While the IronKey Vault Privacy 80 is a full SSD, the Vault Privacy 50 is a simple USB drive. It is therefore much more compact and more suitable for transferring small amounts of data.
The device has a FIPS 197 certified AES 256-bit encryption option in XTS mode. Everything is integrated into what looks like a standard USB key. The accessory has a USB-A connector compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1. This gives it wide system compatibility and guarantees good performance. On the other hand, if you want to use it on a device with USB-C ports, you will need an adapter.
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNet.
The key is Windows and Mac compatible and comes with a pre-installed application to unlock access to its data. Unlike the IronKey Vault Privacy 80, however, the Vault Privacy 50 must be connected to an operating system to change its settings.
Strong points
The benefits of the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 are:
- FIPS 197 certified;
- XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption;
- protection against brute force and BadUSB attacks;
- multi-password option with passphrase support;
- read-only configuration (write-protected);
- up to 250 MB/s read and 180 MB/s write.
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNet.
Read and write speeds are announced at 250 MB/s and 180 MB/s respectively. During our tests, however, we did not go beyond 225 MB/s in reading and 150 MB/s in writing.
Construction and price
The key has a hole to install a wrist strap to attach the accessory to your keys. There is also a cap holder so you don’t lose the coin when you use the key.
The Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 (left) and the Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 (right). Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNet.
To meet the needs of the world, the IronKey Vault Privacy 50 is available in several capacities ranging from 8 to 256 GB (with prices ranging from 55 to 265 euros). Enough to have peace of mind, even if you consume a lot of data.
It’s hard to fault Kingston’s accessory for anything. It’s a great way to secure your data on the go, and we heartily recommend it.
Source: ZDNet.com