Apricorn Announces Aegis Secure Key 3z Hardware-Encrypted Flash Drive and Aegis Configurator

Apricorn, the leading manufacturer of software-free, hardware-encrypted USB drives, today announced the release of the Aegis Secure Key 3z hardware-encrypted flash drive and the Aegis Configurator. Building on the success of its predecessor (the Aegis Secure Key 3.0), the Aegis Secure Key 3z is a feature-rich USB drive that includes FIPS-level security and eliminates the vulnerabilities found in software-managed systems. It also enables security professionals in the most regulated industries (banking, government, education, legal, and healthcare) to configure and deploy multiple devices simultaneously with the new Aegis Configurator. Both Products are distributed exclusively in the UK by Simms International plc

Offering the most advanced data protection, the new Aegis Secure Key 3z flash drive offers top-level security (FIPS 140-2 level 3 validation pending) and a larger set of programmable user features at lower costs. The Aegis Secure Key 3z is ApricornÂ’s most feature-rich device to date and offers capabilities that prove advantageous to users, including providing recovery PINs for lost or forgotten PINs and a key press indicator.

The launch also encompasses the Aegis Configurator, ApricornÂ’s Windows-based software package that allows 10 or more compatible Aegis Secure Devices to be set up and configured simultaneously. Beyond being exponentially faster than configuring an Apricorn device by hand, the configurator also introduces a host of new features. Automatic random PIN generation, programmable maximum PIN length, master profile creation and storage, and the ability to reformat and pre-load data onto drives at the time of configuration are just a few of the new tools introduced in the configurator launch.

Combined with the Aegis Configurator, the Aegis Secure Key 3z flash drive provides a seamless workflow for secure storage rollouts. Once the configuration process is complete, the configuration pathway is then shut down via firmware residing on the device, thus eliminating the ability to reopen the pathway via software. This “locking the door from the inside” approach defends against the threat of unauthorised access to the device’s authentication settings via the USB port.

“The 3z is our third generation Secure USB flash drive and has the improved features, functionality and componentry you would expect to see from Apricorn. Following the established trend in electronics, the 3z is also smaller and less expensive than its predecessors,” said Mike McCandless, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Apricorn. “Combined with the introduction of the Aegis Configurator, we have created an eco-system that simplifies deployment and access to the many device features, without sacrificing our software-free approach or security.”

“With the introduction of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in May 2018 and the continued need for the private and public sector to protect their sensitive data, the combination of the Aegis Secure Key 3z and the configurator delivers an enterprise-ready solution combining military-grade encryption with mass provisioning. Non-compliance with GDPR can come at a huge cost with fines up to 20 million Euros, so organisations need to be prepared,” commented Jon Fielding, Managing Director EMEA, Apricorn.

“The adoption of GDPR will mean organisations must seek explicit consent from EU consumers for data collection, and provide details on what information is collected and how it is used, processed and stored. Users can demand the full deletion of all their details and can also request that their personal information be provided to them in a portable format for transfer between data processing entities. Underpinning all of this is the requirement for personally identifiable information to remain protected at all times. The Aegis Secure Key 3z will eliminate the need and risk of installing or managing software on the company network whilst providing a highly secured, data storage solution,” he added.

The Aegis Secure Key 3z (like all Apricorn secure drives) is software-free, eliminating annual licence fees, software updates, and platform compatibility issues.

Aegis Secure Key 3z Features:
• Military-grade 256-bit AES XTS hardware encryption
• Aegis Configurator compatibility
• Programmable minimum PIN length
• Auto-Lock feature – automatically locks after a predetermined period of inactivity
• Drive Reset feature – allows for redeployment after wiping drive's data
• Embedded keypad for host-free authentication
• User forced enrolment
• Recovery PINs
• Programmable brute force
• Lock Override mode – ignores re-enumeration signals to be compatible with virtual machines
• Key press indicator – optional mode to show when a key has been pressed
• Self-destruct feature – designate a self-destruct PIN to wipe and reset the device
• 3-Year limited warranty