Kingston Unveils D500S: Ultimate Military-Grade USB Security

Kingston Digital Europe Co LLP, a subsidiary specializing in flash memory under the esteemed Kingston Technology Company, Inc., has unveiled the exceptional Kingston IronKey™ D500S. This state-of-the-art hardware-encrypted USB flash drive sets the standard for military-grade data protection during transit.

The D500S is on track to achieve FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification, pending final approval. This accreditation signifies enhanced security measures in line with the latest NIST guidelines, which mandate secure microprocessor upgrades to fortify protection against attacks, especially catering to the stringent demands of government and military operations. The drive performs rigorous self-tests upon boot-up and incorporates thermal and voltage safeguards, automatically shutting down if predetermined thresholds are exceeded. In addition to being waterproof and dustproof, the D500S exhibits resilience against shock, vibration, and adheres to military standards. Its rugged zinc casing further fortifies the drive by safeguarding internal components from potential penetration attacks.

The D500S boasts a Multi-Password feature with options for Complex or Passphrase modes, giving users the power to manage their data securely while simplifying password recall. Administrators can reset user passwords and activate a One-Time Recovery password to regain access if a user password is forgotten. Furthermore, both administrators and users can employ a session-based Read-Only mode to safeguard the drive from malware on untrusted systems. Administrators also have the option to set a Global Read-Only mode, which remains in effect until manually reset. To prevent unauthorized access in compromising situations, administrators can employ a Crypto-Erase password, which erases data and resets the drive.

The D500S incorporates exceptional features synonymous with the Kingston IronKey lineup, such as XTS-AES 256-bit encryption, defense against BadUSB and Brute Force attacks through digitally signed firmware, a Virtual Keyboard for protection against keyloggers and screenloggers, and an industry-first dual-partition capability. Administrators can create two secure partitions of custom sizes, one for administration and one for users, which includes a Hidden File Store for discreetly provisioning files to the user partition. The Hidden File Store ensures data remains secure and invisible unless accessed correctly, particularly useful when dealing with untrusted systems or sharing the drive.

“The flagship D500S, pending FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification, offers an unparalleled array of features in its class. It represents a significant upgrade over the IronKey D300S, delivering state-of-the-art security and a comprehensive solution for safeguarding high-value data in larger enterprises and government institutions,” stated Oscar Escayola Kaloudis, EMEA Flash Business Manager and Sales Manager for DACH, Middle East and Africa, Greece, and Israel at Kingston, EMEA. “IronKey has solidified its position as an essential pillar in achieving Data Loss Protection (DLP) best practices, delivering robust military-grade security for compliance with data encryption regulations, including SOC 2, NIS2, FISMA, GDPR, PIPEDA, HIPAA, HITECH, GLBA, SOX, and CCPA.”

The D500S offers extensive customization options and complies with TAA/CMMC requirements. It is proudly assembled in the USA and is available in high-speed dual-channel configurations with capacities up to 512GB. The product is backed by a generous 5-year warranty with complimentary technical support. Additionally, an enterprise-managed D500SM model and a customizable managed drive option are also on offer.

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