Encrypted USB flash drives keep files unreadable if the drive is lost or stolen, which suits businesses, professionals and anyone carrying confidential documents. Our range has over 60 models with 256-bit AES encryption from brands such as Kingston, iStorage, Kanguru and Verbatim.
How to choose an encrypted USB flash drive
Encryption and certification. Every encrypted drive in our range uses 256-bit AES, in some cases in XTS mode, which is designed for stored data. If your organisation requires a certified solution, look for FIPS 140-3. FIPS 197 only states that the AES standard is used and does not mean the whole device is certified.
Unlocking method. Encrypted drives are unlocked either with software on the computer or with a PIN entered on the drive itself. A keypad helps when you plug the drive into computers where you cannot install programs. Check which operating systems a model supports before you buy.
Capacity and speed. Our range includes 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512 GB drives. Documents need very little space, while video and backups are better served by 256 GB or more. Listed read speeds reach 310 MB/s and write speeds 246 MB/s, while slower models are around 145 and 115 MB/s. If you copy large files often, a faster model saves real time.
Casing and operating conditions. Most models have a removable cap, some have a sliding sleeve and a few are capless. A cap is easy to lose, so a sleeve or capless design is more practical for daily carrying. Operating temperature is most often listed as 0 to 50 °C, though some models go up to 70 °C. If the drive will live in a car or a warehouse, choose a wider temperature range.
Brands we carry
- Kingston: the most models in our range, known for its IronKey line of encrypted drives for businesses and public bodies.
- iStorage: known for datAshur drives with a PIN keypad on the casing, so nothing needs to be installed on the computer.
- Kanguru: specialises in encrypted drives for organisations, and some of its devices can be managed remotely.
Also in our range: Verbatim, Origin Storage and Hama.
Frequently asked questions
How is an encrypted USB drive different from a normal one?
An encrypted drive scrambles your files, so they cannot be read without the password or PIN, even if the drive is plugged into another computer. On a normal drive, anyone who connects it can open the files. Encryption matters most when the drive holds client, financial or medical data.
What happens if I forget the password?
Most encrypted drives lock or wipe themselves after several wrong attempts, and without the password the files cannot be recovered. Keep the password or recovery code somewhere separate from the drive. A backup of important files should also be stored elsewhere.
Do I need FIPS 140-3 certification?
Not always. For personal use, 256-bit AES encryption is normally enough. FIPS 140-3 is more often required by company and institutional security policies, and our range includes models with this certification.
What capacity of encrypted drive should I buy?
16 or 32 GB is enough for documents and photos, while video and backups call for 128 GB or more. Our range runs from 16 to 512 GB. If you will copy large files, also look at the write speed.
