What is SecureUSB Drive?

The SecureUSB is the world’s most secure, easy to use and affordable USB 3.0 flash drive, employing PIN code access with military grade XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption. The SecureUSB incorporates a rechargeable battery allowing the user to enter a 7-15 digit PIN onto the on-board keypad before connecting the drive to the USB port.

All data transferred to the SecureUSB is encrypted in real-time with the built in hardware encryption engine and is protected from unauthorised access even if your SecureUSB is lost or stolen. The SecureUSB automatically locks when unplugged from the host computer or power to the USB port is turned off and can be set to timeout (lock) after a predetermined amount of time.

The SecureUSB operates straight out of the box, does not require any software or drivers to be installed and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients and embedded systems. The SecureUSB delivers drag and drop encryption, plug and play simplicity and can be used with any software.

The SecureUSB can be configured with independent User and Admin PINs, making it perfect for corporate and government deployment. If the User forgets their PIN, the drive can be unlocked using the Admin PIN which will then clear the old User PIN and allow the User to set a new PIN. The SecureUSB also incorporates a drive reset feature which clears both User and Admin PINs, deletes all data, creates a new randomly generated encryption key and allows the drive to be reused. The SecureUSB is capable of generating an infinite number of randomly generated encryption keys, allowing the user to reset the drive as and when required.

As the SecureUSB is unlocked via the on-board keypad and not via a keyboard, it is not vulnerable to software/hardware based key-loggers or brute force attacks. The SecureUSB protects your data with a “Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism”. If both Admin and User PINs have been created and a User enters an incorrect User PIN 10 (ten) consecutive times, the SecureUSB’s brute force mechanism will trigger and the User PIN will be deleted. All data will remain on the SecureUSB and can only be accessed by the Admin entering the correct Admin PIN. If Admin enters an incorrect Admin PIN 10 (ten) consecutive times, then both the User and Admin PINs, the encryption key and all data will be deleted and lost forever The SecureUSB will then revert back to factory default settings and will need to be formatted before it can be reused.

The SecureUSB is an investment that will last for years. Its rugged, extruded aluminium, water proof casing protects the drive against physical damage. The internal drive components are also sealed with a tamper proof coating.

How does SecureUSB work?

Step 1: Enter your PIN Step 2: Plug & Play Step 3: Unplug to automatically lock

Features

• OS and platform independent – compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients and embedded systems
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3, CESG CPA Foundation Level and NLNCSA Level 2 - certifications pending
• Capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB & 64GB*
• Bootable drive
• Real-time military grade XTS-AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption
• Crypto-parameters protected with SHA-256 hashing
• Tamper evident and resistant
• Timeout Lock - set to lock after predetermined amount of time
• Super-fast USB 3.0
• Read-Only (Write Protect) & Read/Write mode
• Read/Write Speeds - 116/43 MBps
• Guaranteed with 3 year warranty
• Works with Smartphones, tablets, Google Chromebooks, thin clients, printers, scanners, CCTV cameras – any device with a USB or USB OTG port
• PIN activated 7-15 digits - Alphanumeric keypad use a memorable number or word for your PIN
• Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism
• Dust and water resistant durable aluminium housing. Certified to IP57 rating
• Supports Admin and User independent PINs
• Drive reset deletes data, User/Admin PINs, Encryption Key and recovers use of drive
• Auto-lock
• No software or drivers required
• Works with any USB/USB On-The-Go devices
• Immune to BadUSB
• Customisation service available – contact us for further information

Specifications

• Interface: USB 3.0
• Capacity: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB & 64GB*
• Speed: Up to 116 MB per second read. Up to 43MB per second write.
• Dimensions (drive with sleeve): 80mm x 20mm x 10.5mm
• Dimensions (drive without sleeve): 78mm x 18mm x 8mm
• Weight: 25 grams
• Waterproof: MIL-STD-810F | IP57 Certified
• Hardware: USB 3.0 high speed - compatible with USB 2 & USB 1
• Operating System compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients & Embedded Systems
• Hardware Data Encryption: XTS-AES
• Encryption Keys: 256-bit Hardware
• Hashing: 256-bit SHA

Why choose SecureUSB?

Did you know that millions of flash drives are lost or stolen every year and this figure is rising? Have you ever considered the impact of losing your non-encrypted USB flash drive? Your data would be at the mercy of anyone who stumbles across it.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) now has the power to fine businesses and government bodies up to £500,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. This includes the loss of an unencrypted USB flash drive that contains client data. The ICO has been very clear in advising businesses and government bodies to encrypt all data that workers access, they also recognise that data which is encrypted and lost or stolen is not vulnerable to compromise.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The European Union will soon have the power to fine companies €20 million or 4% of their annual turnover if they are found to be in breach of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The forthcoming legislation compels anyone who holds data on EU Citizens to implement adequate security measures to protect data from loss or theft.

Loss of confidential data can have a devastating effect on both businesses and consumers. It could lead to a hefty fine, the downfall of a business, embarrassment, job losses and adverse media attention. The iStorage SecureUSB can protect you against all of this.

What is the difference between software and hardware encryption?

Software encryption:

• Complex passwords can be cracked easily and quickly with a Brute Force Attack
• Simple password cracking software is readily available on the internet, often free of charge
• Software encryption is vulnerable to key loggers – where every key pressed is logged in either a software or hardware key logger
• Software encryption can be corrupted by viruses
• Software encryption is much slower when compared to hardware encryption
• Software encryption needs to be installed on each computer that the external storage device is used on
• Software encryption shares computers resources to encrypt data with other programs on the computer, making it only as safe as your computer.

Hardware encryption:

• The SecureUSB cannot be brute force attacked
• The SecureUSB is not vulnerable to keyloggers as the PIN is entered on the unit rather than the keyboard
• The SecureUSB does not require any software and can be used on any Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients and Embedded Systems.
• Encryption is performed in real-time thus there is no speed degradation
• No software or drivers are required

How do I use SecureUSB for the first time?

SecureUSB flash drive is pre-programmed with a default PIN which will unlock the device for the first time, allowing the user to create their own unique User and Admin PINs.

Please follow this procedure:

1. Press KEY Button
2. Enter default PIN 11223344
3. Press KEY Button again a solid    GREEN    LED light will indicate the device is unlocked

What is a User PIN?

The User PIN (Personal Identification Number) can be changed to almost any number that is desired.

• The New User PIN must be 7 to 15 digits long.
• The New User PIN cannot contain only repetitive numbers (3-3-3-3-3-3-3)
• The New User PIN cannot contain only consecutive numbers (1-2-3-4-5-6-7),(7-6-5-4-3-2-1)

You can create a word, name, phrase or any other alphanumerical PIN combination by simply pressing the key with the corresponding letters on it.

Examples of these types of PINs are:

• For Password you would press the following keys:
  

  7 (pqrs) 2 (abc) 7 (pqrs) 7 (pqrs) 9 (wxyz) 6 (mno) 7 (pqrs) 3 (def)

• For SecureUSB you would press:
  

  7 (pqrs) 3 (def) 2 (abc) 8 (tuv) 7 (pqrs) 3 (def) 8 (tuv) 7 (pqrs) 2 (abc)

Using this method, long and easy to remember PINs can be created.

How do I unlock the SecureUSB if the battery is dead?

Your SecureUSB has a built-in rechargeable battery.

Even if the battery is fully discharged you can still continue to use the drive by following the instructions below:

1. Connect SecureUSB to a USB port on any computer
2. While connected to the computer, enter the User or Admin PIN to unlock the drive
3. While connected to the USB port, the internal battery will automatically charge – this is shown by a flashing     BLUE     LED.

We recommend you keep SecureUSB connected for approximately 1 hour to fully charge the battery.

How do I change the default User PIN?

Unlock SecureUSB with the default User PIN (refer to, “How to use SecureUSB for the first time”) and then whilst the     GREEN     LED is solid.

Then please proceed with the following steps:

1. Press KEY button twice (double-click)
2. Within 10 seconds begin to enter New User PIN (The PIN must be 7 – 15 digits long)
3. Press KEY button twice (double-click)
4. Within 10 seconds begin to re-enter New User PIN
5. Press KEY button twice (double-click)

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget the User and Admin PINs, there is absolutely no way of gaining access to the data stored on the drive, there are no back doors to the drive. You will need to completely reset the SecureUSB by following the directions in the User Manual.

Important Note:

By resetting the drive, all data stored on SecureUSB will be deleted.

When the SecureUSB is reset the following occurs:

• Both the User and Admin PINs, and the encryption key are deleted
• All the data on SecureUSB is deleted
• A new User/Admin PIN will need to be set
• SecureUSB will need to be formatted

How do I create an Admin PIN?

The Admin PIN is useful in a corporate environment where an Administrator can provide access to the SecureUSB if the User PIN is forgotten or unavailable.

Please follow this procedure:

1. Press the KEY Button
2. Enter your User PIN (unlock the SecureUSB in User mode) and press the KEY Button
3. Press and hold down the Number 1 button and press the KEY button twice (double click)
4. Within 10 seconds begin to enter your new Admin PIN
5. Press KEY button twice (double click)
6. Within 10 seconds begin to re-enter your new Admin PIN
7. Press KEY button twice (double click)

What is Brute Force Protection?

If both Admin and User PINs have been created and a User enters an incorrect User PIN 10 (ten) consecutive times, the following actions take place:

• SecureUSB brute force mechanism will trigger and the User PIN will be deleted.
• All data will remain on the SecureUSB and can only be accessed by the Admin entering the correct Admin PIN.
• If Admin enters an incorrect Admin PIN 10 (ten) consecutive times, then both the User and Admin PINs, the encryption key and all data will be deleted and lost forever.
• SecureUSB will then revert back to factory default settings and will need to be formatted before it can be reused.

How do I reset the SecureUSB?

In the event both the Admin and User PINs have been forgotten, or the user wants to delete all data stored on the SecureUSB, the following actions take place:

• The reset process will clear all cryptographic parameters including both User and Admin PINs.
• This means the SecureUSB will revert back to the default User PIN set as 11223344
• Also, since this will force the creation of a new encryption key, the SecureUSB will have to be reformatted.

Please follow the procedure with instructions below:

1. Press and hold down the number 7 button and then press the KEY button once and release buttons
2. Press 9 9 9
3. Press and hold down the number 7 button and then press the KEY button once and release buttons

Important Note:

After resetting the SecureUSB the    RED    LED fades out to complete the reset process.

How to delete all files in Admin mode?

In the event that Admin wants to delete all data stored on the SecureUSB, the following actions take place:

• Only Admin settings will remain on the SecureUSB
• All data will be deleted and cannot be retrieved
• SecureUSB will have to be reformatted

Important Note:

Entering the Admin PIN to access a locked drive will clear the User PIN. For security reasons, we highly recommend that a new User PIN be created immediately once the drive has been unlocked using the Admin PIN.

Please follow the procedure with instructions below:

1. Unlock the SecureUSB with Admin PIN
2. Press the KEY button 3 times (triple-click)
3. Within 10 seconds begin to press the Number 3 button followed by the Number 2 button (Number 32)
4. Press KEY button once
5. Within 10 seconds begin to enter your Admin PIN again
6. Press KEY button once

What is the difference between the User and Admin mode?

For an ordinary user we recommend to have just one PIN, whereas in a corporate environment we strongly suggest creating an Admin PIN and User PIN.

Main differences between Admin mode over User mode are the following:

• Recovering data from a drive and configuring a new User PIN in the event an employee has forgotten their PIN
• Retrieving data from a drive if an employee leaves the company
• Setting policies such as “Read-Only”
• The Admin PIN can be used to override all User settings

How do I access Admin mode?

Please follow the procedure with instructions below:

1. Press and hold down the Number 1 button and press the KEY button once
2. Within 10 seconds begin to enter your Admin PIN
3. Press the KEY button once

How to format the SecureUSB in Windows

While Windows has no problems formatting the 8, 16 & 32GB drives in the FAT32 file format system. The same is not true for drive that go over the 32GB threshold. Windows will only format the SecureUSB 64GB in the NTFS or exFAT file format systems. In order to use the FAT32 file format you will have to use third party software.