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iStorage datAshur PRO+C Review USB flash drive With On-board PIN authentication

Thursday, December 14, 2023

 

Meet the datAshur PRO+C, a USB flash drive designed to seamlessly integrate ease of use with top-tier security measures. 

datAshur PRO+C prioritizes user-friendly operation, employing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for protection and incorporating hardware encryption that meets military-grade standards. The flash drive boasts a USB 3.2 (Gen1) Type-C interface - same as datAshur PRO and datAshur PRO SD - and it comes with a Type-C to Type-A adapter. Available in capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB, this device offers a diverse range to suit varying storage needs.

In terms of security, the datAshur PRO+C goes beyond the ordinary, using an 8-15 digit PIN to authenticate the device, eliminating the need for complex setups. When disconnected, the drive ensures the confidentiality of your data through AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, providing robust protection against unauthorized access. 

Built for durability, the datAshur PRO+C flash drive is not only made of rugged enough to survive a 4-meter drop onto concrete but is also crushproof under the weight of a 2.7-ton vehicle. It is designed to withstand spills and is currently pending IP68 accreditation, indicating its ability to endure submersion under 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes while remaining impervious to dust, dirt, and sand.
 

DatAshur PRO+C has an aluminium body shell, rubber buttons (subtle click actuation), three LEDs, a rubber gasket o-ring and a nondetachable stainless steel keyring wire attached to it. The keyring wire integrates a plastic piece inline to comfortably carry it around the finger. Dimensions are 8cm long x 1cm thick x 2cm wide and 26 grams in weight. 

 The tamper-proof and evident design adds an extra layer of security, encapsulating all components with a resilient layer of epoxy resin. This makes any attempt at tampering immediately evident, ensuring the integrity of the stored data. Ideal for corporate and home use, the datAshur PRO+C introduces independent User and Admin PINs. If you forget your PIN, the drive can be conveniently unlocked using the Admin PIN. Furthermore, the Administrator has the authority to permit the User to set a new User PIN, enhancing flexibility and control.

When it comes to file transfer speeds, the datAshur PRO+C excels with ultrafast rates of up to 310MB/s for reading and 246MB/s for writing, thanks to the USB 3.2 (Gen1) interface. This ensures a seamless and efficient data transfer experience. The drive is also compatible with various operating systems, including MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix, VMware, DVRs, Medical Equipment, Printers, Scanners, CCTV, making it a versatile solution across different platforms. Notably, no additional software is required for cross-platform compatibility.

For added protection, the datAshur PRO+C introduces a dual-mode functionality. Both Admin and User can configure the drive as a read-only (write protect) device. If configured by the Admin, this feature remains unmodifiable or disabled by the User, ensuring secure pre-provisioning of the device with pre-loaded content as a read-only drive for the User.

To defend against brute force attacks, the datAshur PRO+C is intelligently programmed. Ten consecutive incorrect User PIN entries result in the deletion of the User PIN, restricting data access to the Admin PIN. If the Admin PIN is entered incorrectly ten times in a row, the consequences are more severe – the PIN, encryption key, and data are permanently lost. The device reverts to factory default settings, requiring formatting before use.
 
Selling points
  • Hardware based On-board PIN authentication
  • AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
  • Various capacities 4/8/16/32/64/128/256/512GB
  • USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed interface
  • Software free
  • Cross platform compatible with MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix and VMware
  • Easy to use
  • Stainless steel keyring
  • FIPS 140-3
  • Level 3 (pending)
  • Tamper proof and evident design
  • Wear resistant keypad
  • Rugged, shockproof and crushproof
  • Water and Dust resistant
  • Independent User and Admin PINs
  • Read-Only (write protect) - Dual Mode
  • Ultrafast transfer speeds
  • OS and Platform independent
  • Brute Force Protection
  • Auto-lock
  • Drive Reset
  • Whitelisting on networks
  • Aluminum chassis
Potential deal breakers
  • No Common Criteria EAL5+ (hardware certified) secure microprocessor
  • Pending FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification
  • Pending IP68 rating
  • Price
  • Complex brute force consequences
Included in the package are the datAshur PRO+C with a Protective Sleeve, a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter, a Quick Start Guide, and a 3-Year Warranty with lifetime technical support. You can buy datAshur PRO+C from iStorage and amazon.

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