Apricorn 30GB Aegis Secure Key FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated 256-bit Encryption USB 3.0 Flash Drive (ASK3-30GB)

I bought this to store critical work files, as my company doesn't allow us to use unencrypted flash drives. I have tried several different encrypted drives, and this is BY FAR my favorite.Why, you ask? It all comes down to ease of use. Most other drives work with software to unlock the drive. My work computer is locked down to install software, and for many of the other drives, you have to install decrypting software, on each machine to use the drive. Also, I had a previous software based drive, and after a while, they stopped supporting the software on my Mac (I use both Windows and Mac), and so the drive was useless.This drive is different as the decryption occurs right on the drive. You set up a pin (really easy to do - follow the clear directions) and then every time you want to use the drive, punch in the pin, and then insert the drive. It pops up like any other drive!Note this works on both Windows and Mac (and if you format it correctly, you can use it on both platforms at the same time). Note that this encryption is DoD approved, and is very safe. I feel safe with my data on here. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but if you have important files, like ID docs, bitcoin wallets, data with PII, this drive is worth it.

If you have an offline crypto currency wallet, or you have a password file or any other confidential files you need kept secure and private, this is what you need.The buttons are easy to press even with large fingers. It's casing is aluminum so very durable and it comes with an aluminum sleeve to go over top to protect the buttons when not in use.You can assign a 16 digit code, there is a reasonable amount of failure attempts before a failsafe wipe all data kicks in as well. I believe you get 4 attempts and then you can press in a code and it'll allow 4 more attempts before the wipe data protection happens.Encryption is a hardware level so it'll work on a mac, windows PC or probably even LInux . If the drive is encrypted you can't mount it in any OS. You first must enter the code and decrypt the file system before the operating system can read it.I would suggest buying these in a pair set though, that way you can use one as a master and one as a secure backup. Or backup to a non-encrypted flash drive that's using software encryption software like VeraCrypt to make an encrypted virtual hard drive.Very happy with the purchase, I've had this now for a few months and it works flawlessly.

I purchased two of the 30 GB Aegis Secure Key 3.0 drives in 2017 and they have been working flawlessly for almost three years. I needed security and reliability, and both drives provided this. I have used them with XP and Win-10 OS machines. Due to the nature of my data, I cannot tolerate a loss due to a failed drive, hence the two drives. One is a backup, mirror-image of the other.And as some have noted, occasionally they do seem to run quite warm, but not usually. When they do, I let it cool down before reinstalling the metal protective cover. I don't know, but I wonder if the heating is related to the initial charge state of the internal battery when inserted (E.g. heats up a bit when it has a long charging cycle). I also wonder if the heat is related to the level of data transfer. Regardless, in my use of these, the occasional higher heat doesn't seem to matter. I would not hesitate to purchase again.

An Aegis 2.0 is cheaper and better for data-only (reasons below)--but having one Aegis 3.0 is better if desiring high-security primary use with USB-mounted apps as explained below...The Aegis 3.0 Secure USB Drive has two minor glitches: 1. Frequent shut-downs--but not with desktops and not if using the free fixes (see below). 2. Feels hot in use. I do not know if this will affect longevity? But where the 3.0 speed is not important, the 2.0 is less costly and also seems more certain to last well.Either way, I like the security of a physically-encrypted PortableApps Firefox, backup programs and personal data (available free from the internet)--and no other USB stick is as secure. Might as well use it at home with the desktop as well as with the laptop when traveling--so you don't have to adjust when suddenly leaving. Then you are more secure from physical as well as viral induced failures.Pros.* For updating and 'save as' back-ups of blog pages--my Apricorn 3.0 takes only 10-15 seconds vs. 20-60 seconds with my old Apricorn 2.0. ALSO with Apricorn 3.0 there is no freeze-up of the PortableApps Firefox during the download. So the true comparison is 0 seconds vs. 30-60 seconds wait with each operation. ALSO you can use a 2.0 USB port! I cannot explain this--but with the Apricorn 3.0, I notice an equal efficiency increase whether using a 3.0 or a 2.0 port.* Small keychain size, so you can easily carry 2 for auto-backups with true security in case of loss or old-age failure. A third copy should stay at home. Of course, the two secondary back-ups can all be Apricorn 2.0.* Self-destruct sequence enables you to "wipe the server" instantly.Cons.* OneDrive/GoogleDrive/AmazonDrive might be safer and more convenient, especially for high-memory + low-security files such as home videos etc.* The case of the Apricorn Aegis can be lost unless you tape on a U eyelet for a lanyard. (See photo attached.) You can then get a necklace lanyard at any Walmart and thus make sure that the case sticks with the stick. Put your email and telephone number on the case--using the same clear tape with which you attach the eyelet. (For the eyelet, I use the tough plastic from a piece of old-fashioned antenna wire with the two wires cut off. The soft cord of the ID necklace can be looped onto the handle of a handbag or Samsonite and closed with the Apricorn stick either inside or outside--thus used without detaching--thus unlikely to be forgot.)* Any external memory has the potential for very-annoying frequent shut-downs. If this happens, there are two solutions.a) Save a folder of favorite photos on the USB drive--and use them as your "desktop background"--and activate a slide-show with a 10-second delay. This seems effective in preventing the USB drive from falling asleep. (If you must use your laptop on battery--then perhaps use small-KB low-quality graphics or line drawings and de-select "stop slideshow on battery power.")b) And/or... google for the free app KeepAliveHD--download and install to the computer--and set it to update a small text file on the external drive every 50 seconds. (Complete details below.)* If you are James Bond, Edward Snowdon or Hillary Clinton, you might need a much larger Apricorn USB memory. Otherwise, most of your non-personal junk can probably be saved on the standard OneDrive/GoogleDrive/AmazonDrive cloud memory. If you are a doctor, accountant or other professional with large amounts of high-security information, you probably can subscribe to a high-security cloud system--which will meet your legal requirements and will be a bit safer from being lost, stolen, cooked or smashed.In summary, I suggest the Apricorn USB system primarily for your very-own truly-personal passwords, credit cards and other data which you do not want identity thieves, China, Russia, Anonymous or the Bengazzi Committee to get ahold of.**********************************Detailed notes on KeepAlive HD--and other attempts to prevent repeat shut-downs of Aegis 3.0.~ So far, a 10-second "desktop slide show" seems equally effective in preventing shut-downs. (Right-click on any Windows desktop > Personalize > Desktop Background Slide Show > Picture Location: Browse and select a folder on your USB drive with several photos in it > Change Picture Every: select "30 seconds" > Save Changes. (For great free pics, find the "get more themes online" link, near the top of the main "personalize your desktop" page. After installing a theme, the Slide Show page shows the URL location of the resulting pics. Copy the ones you like best onto the USB drive. If you need to reduce power usage, then perhaps use any free image editor to reduce the physical size and the quality of the JPG image files so as to minimize the KB file sizes.)~ NoSleepHD-1.0 was not successful in keeping the Apricorn Aegis 3.0 awake on my HP Stream Notebook.~ KeepAliveHD works best for me when set to write every 50 seconds. I tried 100 seconds, so that less workload is being added--but then the Aegis 3.0 sometimes would shut down. If 50 seconds is not enough, try 30 seconds.~ Seems best not to select "auto-run at startup" under Settings. Auto-run can cause confusion by trying to write when the Aegis is offline.~ KeepAlive is started by clicking the check box,"Enable writing mode."Please note that:~ Both my desktop and my notebook use Windows 8.1~ The Aegis 2.0 has no problems "keeping awake" with my desktop or my notebook.~ The Aegis 3.0 has no problem with my desktop--it even keeps awake all nightduring screen saver mode (although not if the "sleep" mode kicks in).~ However, by itself, the Aegis 3.0 does not keep awake with my HP Stream notebook.~ The Aegis 3.0 also can be kept awake by playing YouTube videos on the USB-mounted Portable Firefox--which is not ideal--and quite unfeasible with a metered or 4g connection!~ Presumably, it would also work to leave a browser tab open to a small-download javascript "auto refresh"tutorial demo page which can be set for 30 seconds.~ Or, Windows itself can be programmed to open and close things repeatedly.~ Or, several free "macros" also can be programed to copy and repeat any actions--such as writing in and saving a text file--very similarly to KeepAliveHD.However, KeepAliveHD is obviously the best method while available.~ But, so far, the "slide show" solution works well and seems best.***************************************Note: the following are often suggested but DO NOT HELP for Aegis 3.0:HP Notebook > Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Power Options\Edit Plan Settings> Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings> + USB Settings > + USB Selective Suspend Setting> Plugged In: click "Enabled" and then select "Disabled" > OK[I suggest disabling this when "Plugged In," but not for when "On Battery."]> Control Panel\System and Security\System > Device Manager> Universal Serial Bus Controllers> Generic USB Hub > Power Management> De-select: "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" > OK[I do NOT recommend this de-selection and it does not help for Aegis 3.0.]> USB Root Hub > Power Management> De-select: "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" > OK[I do NOT recommend this de-selection and it does not help for Aegis 3.0.]~ I also tried using an inverse-Y USB cable such as are used for extra power.Power differences might explain why the Aegis shuts down with an 8.1 notebookbut not with an 8.1 desktop? However, the Y-cable did not help.