The Review Smiths
iStorage diskAshur 3 SSD iStorage diskAshur 3 SSD
5
iStorage diskAshur 3 SSD 5

The new iStorage diskAshur3 sets out to be a state-of-the-art portable HDD/SSD that sets a new benchmark in effortless data security, it is available in four colours, Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Emerald Green and Sapphire Blue. You can select how much memory you would like at the point of purchase which starts from 512GB and goes up to colossal 16TB.
From its straightforward looking interface, it’s hard to imagine this storage device is crammed full of security features but it certainly is, this doesn’t mean it needs to be complicated to use. Using the device is easy, simply connect to the host USB port (USB Type-A and Type-C cables included) and input the user-configured 8-64 digit PIN, all data stored on the drive will be decrypted and accessible. To lock the drive, simply eject it from the host, and all data will be encrypted.

As you might expect the diskAshur3 has the basic features such as PIN code access and hardware encryption, but it doesn’t stop there, it provides real-time Full Disk data security through the implementation of a Military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption algorithm. The diskAshur3 has tamper-proof security, accessing its components requires physically breaking the enclosure, where you will find all internal parts are shielded with a layer of durable epoxy resin.
The firmware complies with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 standards, the drive features a secure microprocessor certified to Common Criteria EAL5+, along with a distinctive flash lock mechanism, providing defence against potential firmware attacks on the microprocessor. It also provides protection against BadUSB attacks via the secure USB controller firmware protection mechanism, this guarantees the authentication of the USB controller firmware prior to any unlocking attempt, further enhancing security measures.

It will work on any device with a USB port and delivers ultrafast transfer speeds of 450MB/s, outpacing the impressive speeds of the FIPS ready, the backlit keypad can be turned On/Off, making the keys visible in low light conditions. The outer has a wear resistant epoxy-coated keypad which hides repeated key usage to avoid giving clues to hackers about the commonly used keys. If the User PIN is entered incorrectly 10 consecutive times, it will be deleted, the Data will remain on the device but only accessible with the Admin PIN. If the Admin PIN is entered incorrectly 10 consecutive times, all data is lost forever, and it will need to be reconfigured before it can be re-used.

One of the most James Bond features is the self-destruct PIN, enter it once and the encrypted encryption key and all PINs are deleted and all data is rendered as lost forever. Other features include the bootable feature which allows you to install any OS on the diskAshur3 and boot directly from it. The unattended auto-lock can be set to a predetermined length of time, the Read-only (write protect) – Dual Mode restricts write access to the drive, making it impossible to modify the stored data. You will be hard pushed to find a safer storage system, absolutely ram packed with security features which for the most part you won’t even interact with, allowing you to work with ease whilst having the peace of mind iStorage has got your back. RRP from £236

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A powerfully secure data storage unit that’s got more security layers than you will know what to do with.
  • Easy to use
  • FIPS ready
  • Tamper proof and evident design
  • Brute force protection
  • Self-destruct PIN
  • Wear resistant epoxy-coated keypad
  • Unattended auto-lock
  • Read-only (write protect) - Dual Mode
  • Three encryption modes