Hello,I am digicrypt and thank you for checking out this post. Along with my Cryptology series I will also be doing a series of posts on other topics such as digital forensics and info sec. In this new Series "Are You Protecting Your Data?" I am going to explore simple ways you can protect the privacy and integrity of your information. This first post will focus on flash drives.
Are You Protecting Your Data? : Flash Drives
While Steemit and the cryptocurrency movement are more in tune with privacy and security than most,the truth is most people don't use encryption when it comes to their computer or flash drives. How many times have we been in a library, office or classroom and noticed that some unlucky person had left a flash drive behind? If you put on your white hat you may have taken the drive to lost and found or a manager. If you put your black hat on you may have done a bit of snooping (I am not advocating snooping!). You plug the flash drive in to find that is not password protected and begin to sort through the owner's data. The data could be some embarrassing pictures or some highly sensitive information from work. There have been numerous data breaches caused by forgetful employees losing flash drives containing company info.Don't let this person be you!
There are a variety of great Encrypted flash drives on the market. I personally have had great success with the IronKey.
IronKey provides products for individual and enterprise level needs.
The IronKey Basic S1000 Encrypted Flash Drive includes some impressive security features.
(I personally own a slightly older model with comparable features)
Security Features
FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified
XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Automatic data protection upon device removal
(I will be explaining AES encryption later on in my Cryptology Series)
The flashdrive is password protected
The device also includes a "Self-Destruct" feature. After entering a failed password 10 times the device self destructs.
" Self-destruct means the flash memory is erased, the AES encryption keys are erased, and the IronKey is permanently unusable; there is no way to reset the device or use it again once the self-destruct has been performed. "
The encryption, password and self destruct feature can give you piece of mind that your data is safe and won't fall into the wrong hands. (Self- destruct is optional)
Other features
Unfortunately we don't just have to worry about an individual stealing the information but also its destruction or corruption from other unforeseen events.
The IronKey is
- Military-grade, ruggedized portable design
- Dust-resistant
- Shock-resistant
- Waterproof: MIL-STD-810F
- Temp: Operating: OC, +70C,Storage: -40C, +85C
There are other products out there other than the IronKey, however this is the one I prefer. They can be expensive but basic models can be affordable.I encourage you to do your own research on other products. IronKey does sell other products with even more options and features.
Conclusion
Just remember when using a flash drive for sensitive information make sure it is encrypted, password protected and ruggedized. The extra few seconds it takes to get to your information far outweighs the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.
http://www.ironkey.com/en-US/encrypted-storage-drives/250-basic.html
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Digicrypt,
Signing Off