And introduces a new patented feature: Provision Lock™
MANCHESTER, UK – June 17, 2021 – Apricorn, the leading manufacturer of software-free, 256-bit AES XTS hardware-encrypted USB drives, today announced the release of the USB 3.2 Gen 1 Aegis Padlock SSD encrypted portable drive. The updated device is nearly twice as fast as its predecessor, reaching read speeds of up to 350MB and write speeds up to 310MB. Smaller than a deck of cards, the USB 3.2 Gen 1 device is extremely secure both inside and out, featuring FIPS 140-2 level 2 validated encryption module as well as a rugged, crush-resistant aluminium closure. The updated device comes in a variety of storage capacities including 240GB, 480GB, 1, TB, 2TB and 4 TB, and pricing starts at around £150 GBP or €170 Euro.
The updated Padlock SSD introduces a new patented feature called Provision Lock™, an advanced function that allows an admin to “lock in” their security policy enforcement as it pertains to removable USB storage devices. With Provision Lock, a user cannot overwrite the security measures prescribed by the admin during the device configuration. Once configured and deployed, none of the programmable settings, permissions, and recovery PINs, can be reset without the Admin PIN.
“Our goal is to stay one step ahead of evolving threats and security risks, and we are continually exploring ways in which we can innovate and provide valuable product updates. The last year has proved we can never be sure what’s lurking around the corner and the increase in remote working and rise in attacks such as the recent ransomware attacks on HSE and the Colonial Pipeline, has reinforced the importance of taking action to build resilience against disruption” commented Jon Fielding, Managing Director, EMEA Apricorn.
“A regular and reliable backup process is critical to strengthen an organisation’s ability to retrieve and restore data after a ransomware or other cyberattack incident, prioritising the minimisation of downtime, enabling them to get back up and running quickly. The Aegis Padlock SSD provides the means to back-up data with greater speed and reliability”, Fielding added.
Over the past 18 months, a significant number of organisations have shifted to a remote or hybrid workforce, creating an environment where data is on the move or accessed from a variety of locations. Apricorn research in Q2 2021 showed that 49% of IT professionals noted that individual employees in their organisation do not consider themselves as targets that attackers can use to access company data. Fielding noted, “Apricorn prides itself in leading the pack when incorporating new technologies and price fluctuations in our fast-changing industry, all to the benefit of our thousands of customers. SSD devices are no longer cost-prohibitive as we have seen prices drop by roughly two thirds since we first introduced the Aegis Padlock SSD eight years ago and now offer a fast, reliable and affordable way to protect data regardless of location.”
Like all Apricorn products, the Aegis Padlock SSD comes standard with AegisWare™, Apricorn’s proprietary firmware and feature set which was developed to address constantly evolving security threats and business needs for highly regulated sectors such as government, defence, finance, manufacturing and healthcare. Additional security advantages of Apricorn’s USB 3.2 Gen 1 Aegis Padlock SSD hardware encrypted USB storage devices include:
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated encryption module
- On-the fly 100% hardware-based encryption
- Software-free setup and operation
- OS Agnostic—completely cross platform compatible
- Onboard wear-resistant keypad for authentication
- Real-time 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption
- Separate administrator and user modes
- Forced-enrolment / user forced enrolment
- Programmable minimum PIN length
- Advanced configurations for enhanced security
- Interchangeable type-A and type-C connector cables
- Rugged crush-resistant aluminium enclosure
- IP-67 validated against water and dust damage
To learn more about the Apricorn Aegis SSD, please visit: https://apricorn.com/padlock-ssd
About Apricorn
Apricorn provides secure storage innovations to the most prominent companies in the categories of finance, healthcare, education, and government throughout EMEA, North America and Canada. Apricorn products have become the trusted standard for a myriad of data security strategies worldwide. Founded in 1983, numerous award-winning products and patents have been developed under the Apricorn brand as well as for a number of leading computer manufacturers on an OEM basis.
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Alicia Broadest