Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 Type -A hardware-encrypted USB Flash Drive FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending) with XTS-AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption - IKKP200/16GB

Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 Type-A Hardware-Encrypted USB Flash Drive

Overview

The Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 is a high-security USB flash drive designed to protect sensitive data with robust hardware encryption. This review will delve into its features, pros, and cons to provide a comprehensive understanding of this product.

Features

• Encryption: The drive features XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption, which is highly secure and resistant to attacks.
• FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending): The drive is certified to meet FIPS 140-3 Level 3 standards, ensuring it meets rigorous security requirements.
• Keypad Authentication: The drive includes a keypad for secure password entry, providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access.
• Bruteforce Protection: The device includes bruteforce protection to prevent repeated attempts to guess the password.
• BadUSB Protection: It also includes BadUSB protection to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications.
• Self-Destruct Feature: The drive has a self-destruct feature that can be triggered if the device is compromised.
• Overwrite Protection: The drive includes overwrite protection to ensure that data is securely erased.
• Water and Dust Resistance: The drive is water and dust resistant, making it suitable for use in various environments.
• LED Status Indicator: An LED status indicator provides visual feedback on the drive's status.
• Keychain Attachment: The drive comes with a keychain attachment for easy carrying.

Pros

1. High Security: The XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification make it highly secure.
2. User-Friendly: The keypad authentication makes it easy to set up and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
3. Versatile: The drive is compatible with both USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0, making it versatile for different systems.
4. Durability: The water and dust resistance ensure that the drive can withstand various environmental conditions.
5. Additional Security Features: The bruteforce protection, BadUSB protection, self-destruct feature, and overwrite protection provide multiple layers of security.

Cons

1. Limited Capacity: The 16GB capacity may be limiting for users who need to store large amounts of data.
2. Password Complexity: The keypad requires a 10-character password, which can be cumbersome for some users.
3. Cost: The drive is relatively expensive compared to standard USB flash drives.

Verdict

The Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 is an excellent choice for anyone who requires high-security data storage. Its robust encryption, multiple security features, and user-friendly design make it a reliable option for protecting sensitive information. However, its limited capacity and higher cost compared to standard drives are notable drawbacks.

Features Table