Cool Technology of the Week

Massachusetts Data Protection regulations require that data on portable devices be encrypted. As I've written about previously, we have encrypted all our laptops with McAfee Safeboot/Endpoint

However, it's commonplace for folks to backup their data on removable USB drives. How can we ensure portable drives are protected?

The answer is hardware encryption. I tested the Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB Encrypted Portable Drive and it's my cool technology of the week.

Here are the specs:

» Hardware-Based Full-Disc Encryption: Prohibits access without a password, no exceptions-not even a professional data recovery service can access the data without the password.

» KeyErase™: Permanent removal of encryption key allows secure redeployment of the drive.

» USB Powered: Powers your drive and ensures fast data transfer-

» 5400RPM, 8MB Cache Buffer: For fast drive performance and fast access to your files.

» Backup Software: Maxtor Manager software lets you easily set your automated backup schedule, sync to multiple computers, and restore files.

» Capacity (Model #): 160GB (STM901603BAA1E1-RK)
» RPM: 5400
» Cache Buffer: 8MB
» Interface: USB 2.0
» Bus Transfer Rate: USB 2.0 480MB/sec
» Dimensions: 5.17" H x 3.32" W x 0.67" L [131.2 mm x 84.2 mm x 16.9 mm]
» Weight: 7.20 oz [204.12 g]
» Warranty: 5 years

The software provided autostarts upon USB connection and sets the drive password. It only runs on Windows, so I had to test the device on one of our clinical subnotebooks - a Dell laptop running XP.

The drive mounted without a problem, queried for a password, and enabled me to place data on the device without error. Each time I reconnect the device it queries for my password. Without the password, the data is completely unreadable - I cannot even see the file names.

A portable, inexpensive, removable, hardware encrypted data store that complies with all current federal and state data protection regulations.

That's cool!