- Full AES 256-bit Data Encryption
- Manageable and Physically Secure
- Good USB 3.0 Performance
- Costs More Than Basic Flash Drives
Flash Drive Security in Action
So, you lost your Kingston DataTraveler 4000 G2. Or it was taken. What happens when the finder attempts to login to the flash drive? Is the data safe?
When the perp plugs in the flash drive, it will prompt for a password (left). The perp has only 10 tries to get it right (middle). Naturally, they will fail as long as you used a good/very good password. The flash drive will lock itself out (right). The only action is to reset and permanently erase the flash drive. Sure, they get a cool flash drive but the data is gone.
Can You Fool the Kingston DataTraveler 4000 G2?
The answer is no. Even if the perp disconnects the flash drive or moves it to another system, when prompted for a password, it will count that as an attempt. If the perp moves the flash drive to another system after reaching the reset lock out warning, it will still require reset. The internal controller keeps that locked.
If the perp attempts to open the housing, the flash drive breaks internally and won’t work at all. If the perp uses some sophisticated cloak-and-dagger method (software or JTAG) to compromise the controller, the flash drive will brick. As it stands, the flash drive cannot be fooled.
How Fast Does it Transfer?
Testing the Kingston DataTraveler 4000 G2 was a little tricky. Without the password, the flash drive denies the benchmark. Sequential and 4K block performance were tested using 1 GB files. Results were compared to a HyperX DataTraveler 64GB USB 3.0 flash drive.
The results are misleading. Sequential read performance is about 11 MB/s slower and sequential write is 2 MB/s slower. However, 4K block write performance is better on the G2 which makes it quicker to use. Also, keep in mind that the G2 is actively encrypting and managing data while it’s moved.
Access time is .25 ms on the HyperX and .26 ms on the G2. Between the encryption and access time, Kingston has used a very good controller inside.
Final Thoughts
The Kingston DataTraveler 4000 G2 64GB USB 3.0 flash drive is a seemingly simple device. But it’s much more than that. It’s a very useful tool for transporting and sharing protected data. The 4000 G2 has the ability to protect that data through complete encryption and physical preventative measures that lock out/format/reset the device after 10 password failed attempts or physical manipulation. It can even be managed administratively and remotely. This kind of access and security is invaluable to users and administrators.
However, there is one caveat or potential weakness using this device: the person selecting a password. While eight characters is the minimum, people tend to choose something simple to remember, which in turn creates the risk. Make sure you choose a very good password, even if you have to memorize it. Or, let an administrator assign a really complex password using Active Directory or Blockmaster’s SafeConsole.
Sure, we found other AES 256-bit capable flash drives out there. Most similar industry flash drives lack software security, while other encrypted flash drives like IronKey lack the same level of physical preventative security. Plus, IronKey is far more expensive!
The bottom line here is that the Kingston DataTraveler 4000 G2 64GB USB flash drive offers the kind of security standard needed at every level of every day computing. If all flash drives offered AES 256-bit encryption and tamper-proof physical security, we just might be farther ahead of the threat curve. All pro users serious about information security need the 4000 G2 and that’s why we’re giving it the Futurelooks.com Editors’ Choice Award.
