datAshur PRO+C Flash Drive

£249

In an age where so much of our data and personal information seems vulnerable online, iStorage brings us innovative solutions perfect for storing files and data in a secure and encrypted format. The datAshur PRO+C is a PIN-protected USB Type-C flash drive which requires you to input a unique code before you can use it. Once you are finished with the drive, you simply unplug from your device, and it immediately locks to keep all your files and data protected.

So often we don’t think about how much vital data we can be carrying around on regular flash drives, whether it be for personal or work use. It only takes a flash drive to be lost or stolen and your personal or company information may be shared to unwanted sources. Therefore, the datAshur PRO+C Flash Drive has been designed with all of this in mind. iStorage’s datAshur PRO+C Flash Drive is bright blue, with a sliding case covering the pin pad keys. After sliding off the cover, you are met with the thin long flash drive in the same blue, with black key buttons, and a black base with a keyring loop. However, don’t be mistaken by its sleek and stylish design, the flash drive packs a punch with AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, and superfast data transfer rates with 310MB/s read and 246MB/s write speeds.

I don’t think I ever realised how vulnerable flash drives were till I got to try out the datAshur PRO+C. The flash drive supports independent user passwords, so you can set up a personal 8–15-digit code which only you know to access the files or data on the flash drive. However, as a further level of security, each flash drive has an admin password which can also be used. This feature is essential should someone come across your flash drive and try and spam PIN combinations. After 10 consecutive wrong attempts, the unique PIN is lost, and only the admin PIN can be used. Should the admin pin also be input incorrectly 10 consecutive times all data on the flash drive will be lost forever. This is a great feature, especially in corporate and governmental settings where a stolen flash drive could contain sensitive information. You can also set the flash drive to lock when idle for certain periods of time for added security.

I was impressed by the flash drive component which is covered in a layer of super tough epoxy resin to make it virtually impossible to remove without causing permanent damage to the parts inside. In addition, the outside of the flash drive is designed to be tamper-obvious so you can see if someone has been trying to open and tamper with it. iStorage has even considered the potential wearing of keys which may give away passwords, so it has used a polymer coating across them to hide usage. It is clear that throughout every aspect of the datAshur PRO+C’s design, security and reliability are always paramount. This focus on every aspect of security is why it is the world’s sole flash drive which is currently pending a FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification. This is a benchmark for cryptographic hardware, and so if a device has this certification, it has been tested and formally validated by the US and Canadian governments for security.

Overall, whilst you may not at first think of a flash drive as a gift this festive season, it’s a great alternative gift to keep you or your loved ones' personal information safe. Whether you know someone who uses flash drives for work or personal use, it is likely that they haven’t even considered a password-protected alternative for security. Therefore, in gifting the datAshur PRO+C, you are gifting them with top-level security which cannot be understated.

Pros:

• Top-tier security across its software and design
• Sleek, bright and has a keyring attachment for added security
• Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter in the box for greater universality