Iron Key The Worlds Most Secure Flash Drive
Posted on 16. Sep, 2008 by Benjamin Patton in Iron Key Review
Today I was happily greeted by the local Fed Ex Delivery driver. Normally this happens the 15th of every month. But today was the day after and my curiosity was running amok about what was in this box. So of course I opened it up and to much my surprise my demo unit from Iron Key had finally arrived! So today’s post is going to be reviewing The Worlds Most Secure Flash Drive, The Iron Key! A run of the mill flash drive is really nothing special. They are decently quick as far as response and read/write times and offer no protection against data thieves or the elements. I mean seriously some of these drives you can’t drop or they become nonfunctional. With that being said if your in the market for a serious usb drive that delivers superior protection in ways you may not have imagined possible, then you should keep reading.
The Exterior
First off I have to say I felt kinda like John Chow when he opened his fed ex package and their was just this little usb thumb drive. Of course this one came in its retail packaging tagged as a sample. As you can see its a very simple box as it should be. Upon opening the box and inspecting the goods enclosed I had a little bit of a giggle about the keyhole in the foam. 
When you pick up this drive you can tell its not a throw away deal. It weighs much more than my plastic drive that I have been using and is quite sturdy. No worries about any breakage on impact here for sure. That being said this thing is sealed tight and as the label clearly states is waterproof MIL-STD-810F Compliant. If your like me your wondering exactly what that means. The MIL-STD-810 series of standards are issued by the United States Army’s Developmental Test Command, to specify various environmental tests to simulate conditions that the tested item will encounter 
in the field. The IRONKEY portable flash drive is compliant with MIL-STD-810F for waterproofing and shock resistance. So your 100% covered on those fronts! This thing just looks cool and since it is so strong you can actually carry it on your key chain daily and not risk any loss of data or case defacement’s. You are given a sealable surface on which to write your name should it be lost, and you are able to customize a “If Found” message during setup should the drive be loaded by someone wondering what this is.
What Makes It Work
Now that you have seen the outside of this nifty device let me take you on a tour of its internals.
This drive is quite exceptional when you start to dig past its very sturdy exterior. Offered in 1, 2, 4 or 8gb capacities. 30mb per second read and and a 20mb per second write rate. Sufficient to get any job done. 75mm x 19mm x 9mm so it is still very compact. Weighs 25 grams or .9oz. MIL-STD-810F waterproof. Operates in temperatures ranging from 0C – +70C. It can be stored from -40C up to +85C. Built to withstand 16g rms impacts. Fully USB 2.0 High Speed Compliant. Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 2k pro sp4. Hardware Encryption – Data: AES Cipher-Block Chained mode, Encryption Keys: 128 Hardware DRNG, PKI: 2048-bit RSA, Hashing: 256-bit SHA, FIPS Validations: 140-2 Level 2, 186-2, 197 IRONKEY BASIC BENEFITS
- Enforces encryption policies
- Protects against lost and stolen flash drives
- Helps achieve policy compliance
- Easy to deploy and use
- No software or drivers to install
- No Windows administrative privileges required
- Complies with FIPS 140-2 Federal Information Processing Standards
The Software
Now that we have seen the exterior and seen what makes the Iron Key tick, lets take a look at the Iron Key in action.
When you first put this in your usb port you will be met with the following, and then shortly after either via auto run or you double clicking the drive it will ask for a password. Make sure this is something you will never forget.
This is the screen you will be met with upon insertion. Make sure to enter that PW from the initial install correctly.
That’s right after two tried this message will appear. If someone goes 10 times the data is flash trashed and that is that.
You are able to back up the contents of your Iron Key at any time. Securely of course. You can also reload the drive with the encrypted back up in order to restore your data for any reason needed.
Keeping with the minimalist appraoch you can see that this utility lets your reformat in a secure manner. Very important if you wish the make the data on the drive non accessible.
One thing I really like is the function of setting your own “If Found” message. Make sure to let anyone who potentially discovers your lost drive that after 10 password attempts its toast. And that you would very much like to get this drive and the data enclosed back intact. Leave a means for further contact as a phone number or shipping address. I would like to think most would drop it in the mail without a second thought.
Here we can see the obligatory password change screen make sure to make special note on whatever you choose to be your password as you only get 10 chances before all the data on the drive is trashed with the patent pending flash trash mechanism. This drive offers straight forward easy use by anyone of any tech level. After your password setup you are free to drag and drop as you would with any flash drive.
Iron Key Iron Clad Safe Surfing
IronKeys are pre-configured with a portable version of Mozilla’s popular Firefox web browser. All data, cookies, and web history are maintained locally on the IronKey. IronKey’s optional Secure Sessions service protects your privacy on the web by triple-encrypting your web surfing traffic, and provides secure DNS services to help assure that you are not visiting a spoofed website. No matter where you are, where you go and who’s computer you use to surf the net you will be protected 100%. No other flash drive offers anything of the sort. This is just plain good sense, and I applaud them for adding this feature. I like to use public terminals, but cringe for anything I have to log in to access. This alleviates all those worries and allows me to conduct my blogging and internet marketing business from any computer anywhere in the world.
The Value To It’s Users
Some of the best security features are boasted by the makers of the Iron Key and honestly it delivers 100% 
When an IronKey is plugged into a laptop or desktop computer, the user must authenticate with a password before encryption keys are enabled and data and applications are accessible. Unlike software-based encryption, the IronKey Cryptochip does not export AES encryption keys to the host PC, thereby protecting against cold-boot and malware attacks. The IronKey protects against brute-force password guessing attacks by using non-volatile access-failure counters stored on the Cryptochip itself. If a thief tries to break into an IronKey and enters 10 incorrect passwords, the Cryptochip securely erases all encrypted data with patent-pending Flash Trash technology. This ensures no data can be recovered from the device. And for those of us that recognize the need to be able to control digital rights per device and by user the Iron Key makes that an easier process. The IronKey Basic has been designed to work seamlessly with many of the industry’s leading endpoint security software products. Every device has a unique serial number, making it easy to manage and apply usage policies. Essentially this drive should meet any of your portable data storage needs. No matter if you are civilian, government or military it will get the job done for you. The ability to easily deploy and make use of makes purchasing one of these a no brainer. With always on AES Data protection that creates strong random keys you will not be waiting for a software based unit to process this information. The Iron Key is physically hardened and is an investment which will last you many years. The IronKey has a rugged metal casing to protect it from physical damage, and the internal components are sealed to protect against tampering. Also, IronKey has passed and exceeded military waterproof testing requirements. No one can access files stored on your IronKey unless they authenticate with the correct password. All encryption and password verification are performed in hardware, and cannot be disabled by malware or a careless user. This eliminates the risk of compromised confidential portable data. You will not find a comparable portable secure drive on the market. The makers of Iron Key have worked very closely with industry insiders during development in order to fulfill the needs of its potential customers. As you can tell from the review and pictures this unit delivers as The Worlds Most Secure Flash Drive.
If you are in the market for such a device I highly recommend you pick up one of these beauties. I plan to carry mine all the time. It’s great to keep a back up of the important stuff and anything else I may desire to keep mobile with me just in case.
In my opinion this delivers a 5 out of 5 user experience and a 5 out of 5 for bang on the buck. You will not be disappointed at all. Check out the Ironkey
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39 Responses to “Iron Key The Worlds Most Secure Flash Drive”
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September 21, 2008
[...] – “Iron Key The Worlds Most Secure Flash Drive.” Excellent review of a flash drive that you may want to check it out. Lots of in depth detail [...]
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EmmaB
This looks like one hell of a flash drive. When you say it is the world’s most secure you probably do mean it. I always read these post titles and then get disappointed when it isn’t what I thought it was going to be. This post was different and I’m probably going to go buy one myself.
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It really is all that and the bag of chips and some sliced bread. These are the only flash drives I will be buying. Period. The built in FireFox secure browser was the icing on the cake for me, and for obvious reasons.
Sometimes I can not carry the laptop, whats the next best thing. THE IRON KEY!
You probably said everything except how much data this baby holds. How much you can store is a really import factor you have left out.
Also what is the RRP of this baby?
the demo unit is a 2gb that I got, but they sell 1,2,4,8gb units with a 16gb almost released.
Look under what makes it work
Also the RRP is quite high, but newegg and amazon.com when they have them run:
1gb 118.04 rrp and selling for 58.51
2gb 162.87 rrp and selling for 90.22
4gb 218.70 rrp and selling for 128.75
8gb 436.39 rrp and selling for 269.39
Newegg.com prices are better but limited availability.
looks sweet, do you know if there are any issues going back and forth between a mac and pc?
Bryan Bliss
Not that I can tell atm, but further testing is in order for sure. I will get back with you as soon as I know.
I have the same question as Bryan, but looks sweet. I’d like to have an 8 or 16GB please. Oh, wait, you’re not giving them away are you? lol.
I’d probably buy one of these actually. Thanks for the info.
Cheers!
Jay
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I plan to purchase a 16gb enterprise model as soon as they are released. 100% worth it!
Yeah, I’d want 16. I’m the type that if I’m getting one, I want the max benefits
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Always bleeding edge as long as I can afford it.. Ok even if I can not!
Ben, now that is a review if I have ever read one. Great info.
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Thanks Josh! These types of reviews do not come along to often, that is the type where the product kicks so much butt that even if you try to find a downside their are 10 more pro’s to it.
Whoa Ben!
Awesome review!
I have to get me one of those.
By the way, I hate FedEx man. I have a 5 month old claim still not paid for, and they lost 2 previous packages which I hate to file claims for as well.
Sorry, just had to let you know bro.
Great post.
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Thanks for the props! I agree generally I do not go with Fed Ex as of the last year or so… Usually its UPS or USPS, but at my new location both of those are a larger gamble than fedex. At least in this case I will get the package. To bad no DHL or Airborne Express, not many other options I know of.
Wow really? I thought FedEx and UPS were the best you could go. Never really been a fan of anything else as I’m international and those two have done international shipping well for me the last couple years.
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Wow, nice review. Now I just need to find something important enough to store in a drive like that…
You know I wanted this as soon as you told me about it a few weeks back! I love flash drives, and security is my occupation lol. This is the best of both, and I can easily handle all my business needs with it. I’d like to get the big boy, depending on what I want to hold, but the fact that it has password protection, a password manager (bye bye roboform) is dope! The browser is dope, and I already showed my boss at work…we will be getting a couple. I will no doubt end up buying one for my personal use sometime in the future.
Thanks for the review
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Awesome to hear Joe and I know you will not be disappointed at all by this drive. If I were still in the tech field working this is something I would be pushing for. Not only is it secure its durable and fast!
wowo truly sounds great. maybe the British government needs to get a few of these :p
re: the encryption is it all done on the fly? or does it process it pre/post moving/copying the files?
is it possible to configure the number of password attempts? example increase or decrease the amount?
Also in regards to the firefox browser is the dns service free as standard? also once encrypted is there a huge difference? (you could run a speed test normal v on drive v on drive secure)
lastly, if I were to move another portable app on the drive such as pidgin etc would it be possible to use the ‘secure’ communication that the firefox browser uses with that? and are other apps going to be made available?
As far as I can tell its all on the fly. Their is nothing going on or lag or anything in the white notes to indicate it is not on the fly.
The attempts for the pw is locked from what I can tell, but I am submitting feedback about things like this for them to improve on in the new versions!
With the last part I am not entirely sure, I will do my best to scour their support forums for an answer and get back with you. If it is not in the works I will definitely be suggesting this as being able to put apps on the drive to take advantage of the secure dns would be awesome!
wow will def save up to get one really like how sturdy it is compared to the plastic cheap one’s
Dude its worth it the thing is crazy. I will take some extra pics of it submerged and then in use if I can find a scale ill weigh it!
Hey Ben, nice review there. If I could afford it, it’d be pretty nice. However, wouldn’t you only need these if you treat your USB like a football?
The biggest problem I’ve found is not the data loss nor the case break, but while the stick is stuck in the USB port, something hits the stick accidentally and the stick sort of bends a bit at the edge. Is this iron thing somewhat strogger and possibly even resistant to it?
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Very nice review Ben. This looks like a really neat product to have.
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Hmm,. Nice product + review
but,cost of shiping is very expensive in my country.
ИнтереÑÐ½Ð°Ñ ÑтатьÑ. СпаÑибо!
wow, its a great Flash Drive. Its looks good. But we have to make sure that we remember the password
hey there..
This was a good informative article! And thanks for mentioning the plugins.. very helpful!
WoW! Nice review. I think I will order one of these with my next affiliate check. I could probably replace the current USB with that crappy U3 stuff on it.
nice post it was the informative post …
Ben … What ab
It is good to know that your information will remain safe in case someone gets a hold of your flash device.
I wonder what makes this flash drive more secure than others. Most of its features seem to be fairly standard on most flash drives.
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