Encrypted USB drives are portable flash drives that scramble stored files so they cannot be read without the correct password or PIN. They suit anyone who carries client records, financial files or personal documents between devices. Our range covers hardware-encrypted drives from iStorage, Kingston, Kanguru and Origin Storage, in capacities from 8 GB to 512 GB.
How to choose an encrypted USB drive
Encryption standard. Look for 256-bit AES, which is the level used across our range, and for the XTS mode where listed, as it is designed for protecting stored data. Some drives also list FIPS 140-3, a US government validation of the cryptographic module, which matters if your employer or a client asks for certified protection. FIPS 197 only describes the AES algorithm itself, so it is not the same as a validated drive.
Capacity. Our range includes 8 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB and 512 GB drives. A small drive is enough for documents and spreadsheets, while 512 GB makes sense for large project folders, photo archives or disk images. Encrypted drives cost more per gigabyte than ordinary ones, so choosing a size that matches your actual files avoids overspending.
Speed. Listed read speeds in our range run from 145 MB/s to 310 MB/s, and write speeds from 115 MB/s to 250 MB/s. For text files the difference is barely noticeable. If you regularly copy large folders or video, compare the write speed, since it decides how long a backup takes.
Durability. Some drives carry an IP67, IP68 or IPX8 rating, which means they are protected against dust and water to different degrees, so they cope with spills and rain better than a standard drive. Check the temperature limits too: operating ranges in our range start at 0 °C and reach 40, 50 or 70 °C depending on the model. If the drive travels in vehicles or sits in a site office, the wider range is worth having.
Unlocking method. Most hardware-encrypted drives are unlocked either with a built-in keypad or with software on the computer. A keypad works on any device with a USB port and needs no installation, which helps on locked-down work machines. Software unlocking is usually simpler to set up but depends on the operating system you use.
Encrypted USB drive brands we carry
- iStorage: a UK company that specialises in hardware-encrypted drives and is the largest brand in this category in our range.
- Kingston: best known for its IronKey line of secure drives, alongside its mainstream flash storage.
- Kanguru: focuses on secure, hardware-encrypted storage and offers drives with FIPS-validated encryption for organisations with compliance requirements.
Also in our range: Origin Storage.
Encrypted USB drives: frequently asked questions
What is an encrypted USB drive?
An encrypted USB drive is a flash drive that encrypts everything written to it, so the files are unreadable without the correct password or PIN. If the drive is lost or stolen, whoever finds it sees only scrambled data. It is a simple way to protect sensitive files when you move them between computers.
Is hardware encryption better than software encryption?
Hardware encryption is generally the stronger option because the encryption is done by a chip inside the drive rather than by the computer. The key never leaves the drive, and performance does not depend on the host system. Software encryption can work well, but it relies on the computer it runs on and can be harder to use consistently.
What does FIPS 140-3 mean on a USB drive?
FIPS 140-3 is a US government standard that validates the security of cryptographic modules, and a drive carrying it has been tested against that standard. It is often required by government bodies and regulated industries. For personal use, 256-bit AES encryption without FIPS validation is usually adequate.
What happens if I forget the password or PIN?
With properly implemented hardware encryption, the data cannot be recovered if you forget the password or PIN. Many drives also lock or erase themselves after a number of wrong attempts, which is what makes them secure. Keep a safe record of your PIN, and keep a backup of important files elsewhere.
