In this guide to the best secure drives of 2019, we look at the top data storage devices that will allow you to take private data with you, knowing that if the device is compromised, your data will remain safe.
When you carry important data on a USB flash drive or external hard drive, you run the risk of others taking it, either physically stealing the drives or leaving them open.
Choosing the best secure drives to meet your needs can be tricky, and many devices make big promises but don't deliver on them. On this page, we previously mentioned the eyeDisk, which was a crowdfunded device that promised to be impregnable. Unfortunately, it appears that this is not the case and we have removed it.
The best secure players will use either software or hardware encryption (or, better yet, a combination of both), to prevent others from accessing and viewing your data. Many of the best secure drives on this list will have ways to prevent access, like a physical keyboard, and will also come with robust tamper-proof casings that can further protect your files.
(Image credit: Desire Athow)
1. Kingston Ironkey D300S
High-end security at a (very) high price.
Storage: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | Interface: USB3.1
Very robust design
raincoat
Incredibly expensive
The D300S has been announced by Kingston and is an updated version of the D300, released in 2016, with the suffix S for serialized. This appears to be a standard USB drive, but with a more robust design. However, it is the price that really stands out. There's a reason the D300S commands such a high premium according to Kingston. The drive uses custom hardware for encryption (FIPS 140-2 Level 3 256-bit) and decryption, eliminating vulnerabilities associated with any process running on the host system. This chip and the rest of the material are sealed in a tamper-resistant epoxy material that cures on drying. It's also waterproof to 120cm and can withstand bumps and drops.
2. disk Ashur Pro 500GB
A PIN-protected way to make sure your data stays safe.
Storage: up to 2TB | Interface: USB3.0
High level of security
Powerful encryption protection
Rugged yet lightweight and portable design.
It works on various operating systems.
High price
Some availability issues
DiskAshur products are among the best secure drives on the market and diskAshur Pro is the company's best external hard drive. diskAshur Pro's main selling point is its physical keyboard which will only give access to stored data by entering a PIN code. In addition to physical security (extending up to IP56 water and dust resistance and even a self-destruct function), the diskAshur Pro also boasts Enviable Encryption, full-featured 256-bit XTS-AES real-time disk encryption. and EDGE technology to provide even higher levels of security.
(Image credit: Desire Athow)
3. Aegis Secure Key 3NX Secure Drive
Encrypted data improved at a much lower price.
Storage: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | Interface: USB3.0
Very affordable
Protection at the military level
Extended warranty
Small size could make it easy to lose
If you need to transport small amounts of sensitive data, 3NX could save your life. It offers advanced data protection features for the consumer market with its attractive price (€59 for the 2GB/4GB model) and €189 for the 128GB model. You get military-grade and enterprise-grade features. such as FIPS 140-2 Level 3, real-time hardware encryption, platform independent configuration, and rugged extruded aluminum housing. Data is encrypted with a built-in 10-digit keypad and is powered by a built-in battery.
4. Aegis Secure Key 3Z
An ultra-rugged USB storage option for everything you love.
Storage: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | Interface: USB3.1
super safe
rugged design
Simple installation and use
High price
Aegis Secure Key 3Z Ultra Rugged Key is designed to protect the data of people who regularly work outside or on the road. Its rubberized exterior, which protects IP58 against dust and water, protects a strong aluminum construction, both inside and out. that there is no easy way to enter this unit. Meanwhile, it also has a physical keyboard to keep your data safe. It is expensive, but worth the investment.
5. Apricorn Aegis Secure Key USB 480GB USB Memory
An excellent alternative to other secure solutions on the market.
Storage: 480GB | Interface: USB3.0
Massive capacity
Excellent quality / price ratio (for a sure reader)
Initial installation can be tedious
Big so watch out for USB ports
Apricorn Aegis Secure Key comes with a full 10-key alphanumeric keyboard with two function keys and three status lights. It is then inserted into a reinforced epoxy-reinforced aluminum casing that makes it dust and water resistant; The device is also IP-58 certified and measures 46g and 93mm long. It also comes with built-in hardware encryption (AES 256-bit), which means it's completely independent of the host client and independent of the operating system. No keyloggers and no BadUSB vulnerability. Aegis Secure Key has received FIPS 140-2 Level 3 accreditation from NIST, the US-based National Institute of Standards and Technology, which oversees computer and information security for the US government making it one of the safest drives you can buy. .
6. Kingston Ironkey D300
The best secure drive for those looking for affordable peace of mind
Storage: 8GB | Interface: USB3.0
Duradero
Comes with AES-256 encryption
Dear by Go
Can't be used out of the box
The Kingston Ironkey D300 (IKD300 / 8GB) comes with security software which makes it a bit fuzzy and confusing at first (it will initially appear on your PC as a CD player with a capacity of 14.4 MB), but once with a password , you will have a very safe reader. With its hood, it's waterproof (up to 4 feet) and dustproof and at 51g, it feels solid. More importantly, the most compelling protection occurs within the device itself. This is a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified device with AES 256-bit hardware encryption. There is a hardware crypto module inside the device, meaning encryption and decryption is done on the drive rather than the host PC, with digitally signed firmware making the D300 immune to the notorious BadUSB exploit.