IronKey’s latest offering, the S200 is bound to appeal to both Jack Bauer fantasist types and folks that actually have jobs that require them to keep their data secret.

The S200 packs the features that one would expect of a mil-spec USB drive: rugged waterproof construction, encryption, anti-virus/malware software, etc; but there is one feature that sets it apart from the crowd in a very big way, this thumb drive will self-destruct.

From IronKey:

[The S200 is the] first and only USB storage device to achieve FIPS 140-2, Level 3 validation” and delivers advanced Cryptochip featuring AES-256, tamper-resistance and self-destruction circuitry.

While I am sure that the device falls short of bursting into flames, it is a very cool feature.

The specs of the S200 are impressive, which makes me wonder how much this thing is actually going to cost when it comes to market.

• The first and only USB flash drive to meet the rigorous government security requirements of FIPS 140-2, Security Level 3.
• Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption in CBC mode.
• Tamper-resistant and tamper-evident rugged aluminum metal case that meets military specifications and is waterproof.
• Secure management of encryption keys.
• Anti-malware capabilities in hardware provide an unprecedented layer of protection from malware and prevent its spread onto enterprise and government networks.
• AutoRun lock-down protects against worms.
• Read-only mode prevents malware on infected hosts from infecting IronKey devices.
• Optional anti-virus/anti-malware scanning cleans the devices in the background.
• Trusted network restrictions prevent IronKey devices from unlocking on uncontrolled PCs.
• Dual-channel architecture enables significant performance when writing large and small files to the drive.
• Includes extended-life flash memory capable of running high-bandwidth applications such as data backups, virtual machines, or bootable mobile desktops.
• Enterprise Management Cloud Service over the Internet for the enforcement of security policies, security and anti-malware updates, and the tracking and auditing of hundreds or thousands of devices.
• Optional Enterprise Management Server that customers can host themselves.

IronKey FIPS 140-2, Level 3 Validation:

• The IronKey S200 USB flash drive has been awarded FIPS certificate 1149.
• IronKey S200 includes the ability to prevent intruders from gaining access to Critical Security Parameters (CSPs ) held within the cryptographic module.
• The physical security mechanisms required at Security Level 3 validate that IronKey thumb drives can detect and respond to attempts of physical access, use or modification of the cryptographic module.
• IronKey includes the physical security mechanisms required for the validation including the use of production-grade components, hard potting material to encapsulate the chip circuitry and a hard metallic enclosure.

I won’t bore you with the enterprise specifications, if you want to you can check them out at the ZDNet page.

Price: Not yet available, but IronKey products do tend to cost. [IronKey via ZDNet]

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