iStorage’s diskAshur USB drives are always great. However, the diskAshur3 range stands out as the ultimate choice for data security. In a world where the protection of your data is a priority, you may want to store your data on your laptop or even cloud. However, some files are so sensitive that they need extra layers of protection.
Therefore, the diskAshur3 range by iStorage is a state-of-the-art portable HDD/SSD drive with storage capacities ranging from 16 TB for portable drives and up to 24 TB for desktop drives. The range includes three products: diskAshur3, diskAshur PRO3, and diskAshur DT3.
Each product is specially designed with advanced security features, including three encryption modes (patent pending), no preset PINs, and user-configurable PINs from age 8 to 64 digits.
What’s in the box?
The diskAshur3 range contains the following:
- diskAshur3 or diskAshur PRO3 or diskAshur DT3 portable HDD/SSD
- USB Type C & A cables
- Carry Case
- Free 1-year license of Nero BackItUp and iStorage DriveSecurity
- Quick Start Guide
- Product Disclaimer
Design and set up
iStorage’s diskAshur3 range comes with simplistic designs, with four main colours – black, red, blue and green. The range is surprisingly lightweight, with four rubber feet at the base and a PIN pad on top. This means you won’t have issues carrying the USB drive around with the pouch that iStorage has provided.
Setting up the diskAshur3 range is pretty simple. Plug in the drive and enter your new PIN (which has to be between 8 to 64 digits). Then re-enter the PIN and your drive is ready to use. To lock the drive, simply eject it from the host and all data will be encrypted.
If you’re confused about what to do, just follow the instructions in the guide provided by iStorage.
Security
iStorage’s diskAshur3 range’s selling point is security. The range features FIPS PUB 197 validated AES XTS 256-bit hardware encryption along with Common Criteria EAL 5+ certified microprocessors. This certification aligns with ISO/IEC 19790 standards. Therefore, it represents the highest level of data protection and encryption.
FIPS is used as a benchmark for the US government, which means the diskAshur3 range can be used for government contract work. Everything stored in your drive is encrypted.
One of the finest features of the diskAshur3 range is the “Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism” which takes a 3-step approach. First, it requires a PIN which must be entered at the maximum of 15 attempts. If entered incorrectly after the attempts, the user code is deleted and the drive will lock itself, ultimately leading to a total reset.
There is also the self-destruct PIN which can delete the encryption key, all PINs, and all data instantly. Then it creates a new encryption key, leaving the drive blank. The auto-lock feature can be set to automatically lock the drive after a set period of time.
If you’re worried about any physical attacks on your device, the diskAshur3 range has a durable epoxy to indicate any tampering and protect the encrypted data. In simple terms, the epoxy hides key usage to prevent potential hackers from accessing the more commonly used keys.
Speed
The diskAshur3 range outpaces the speeds of the diskAshur2 range. It ensures a transfer read/write speed of 450MB/s. This range also offers storage capacities of up to 24TB. However, the drive’s performance depends on your computer set-up.
Compatibility
The diskAshur3 range does not discriminate against any device. If it has a USB port, then you have nothing to worry about. iStorage’s diskAshur3 range is compatible with MS Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero, Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix, VMware, DVR’s, Medical Equipment, Printers, Scanners, CCTV etc.
Conclusion
If you regularly carry sensitive information on your device, investing in the diskAshur3 range is definitely not a bad idea. It may be costlier than the average USB drive but it is worth your peace of mind. With its simple design, easy setup and tough protective features, you are assured that your data is safe.
