Encrypted USB drives – take them safely, move forward with peace of mind

Cheap or expensive encrypted USB stick?

Buying cheap s or expensive encrypted USB stick often has to do with the:

• Components
• Certications
• Sustainability
• Robustness
• Speed
• Classification level

Which authentication for an encrypted USB stick is preferred?

The type of authentication of an encrypted USB stick is also often preferred. Moreover, usability also plays an important role in authentication with a:

• Password
• PIN-code
• Two-factor (smartcard of FaceID/TouchID)

What USB stick management solutions are there?

Managing USB sticks ensures you are in control of your USB sticks in the field and compliant with the NIS2-directive. Few of our management platforms are:

• SafeConsole & PortBlocker with DataLocker USB-sticks and external hard drives
• RemoteManagement of USB sticks from SecureData
• Apricorn Configurator for rolling out multiple Apricorn USB-sticks 

To determine if a USB sticks truly secure, you can ask the following questions:

• Is the secure USB key OS-independent?
• Is the USB-stick robust?
• Certification: FIPS says something about safety but an official EAL4/EAL5 certified USB controller is much better. Always check or ask about the relevant certificate-numbers. Don't be immediately seduced by marketing texts about these types of certifications
• Has the USB flash drive been given an official classification level by a national and international government agency? Please check this on the relevant website or ask the supplier or manufacturer
• Remote management or DLP security because of rule and legislation and in being in control of all mobile data devices in the field. What if an employee is fired and has malicious intentions with sensitive company data on an unmanaged USB stick and an unmanaged PC?