The iStorage diskAshur3 is a high-performance, ultra-secure portable drive that combines advanced encryption, physical durability, and ease of use, making it a standout solution for professionals, organizations, and anyone needing to secure sensitive data. Designed with versatility in mind, the diskAshur3 delivers top-tier data protection while remaining incredibly user-friendly. Let's dive into its features, explore its pros and cons, and examine its true value.

Ease of Use

One of the most compelling aspects of the diskAshur3 is its simplicity. With no pre-set PINs, users can configure an Admin PIN of their choice before use, ensuring that security is personalized from the get-go. Once set up, using the device is straightforward: plug it into any USB port, enter your unique 8-64 digit PIN, and the data is instantly accessible. Ejecting the drive automatically re-encrypts the data, offering a seamless yet secure user experience. The inclusion of USB Type-A and Type-C cables ensures compatibility with most modern devices.

Advanced Security

Security is where the diskAshur3 truly shines. This drive features military-grade AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, validated by FIPS PUB 197, providing top-tier real-time data protection. It also includes FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliant firmware, guaranteeing encryption that meets high-security standards. These features ensure the data on the drive is virtually impenetrable.

Additionally, the diskAshur3 offers a multitude of PIN options, including Independent Admin, User, and One-Time Recovery PINs. This provides flexibility for administrators and users without compromising security. There's also the Self-destruct PIN, which, when entered, instantly deletes all data and encryption keys.

The built-in brute force protection is another standout feature. After 10 consecutive incorrect User PIN attempts, the User PIN is deleted, and after 10 incorrect Admin PIN attempts, all data is wiped from the drive. This ensures data remains inaccessible to potential hackers, even in the event of brute force attacks.

Tamper-Proof and Tamper-Evident Design

The diskAshur3 takes physical security seriously. The enclosure is similar to the diskAshur2 designed to be tamper-proof, meaning any attempt to access the internal components requires breaking the device itself, leaving clear evidence of tampering. Internally, all components are shielded with a durable epoxy resin, making it extremely difficult to disassemble the device without causing permanent damage.

Firmware Protection

The advanced firmware protection mechanisms on the diskAshur3 further bolster its defense system. Certified to Common Criteria EAL5+, it incorporates a secure microprocessor and a flash lock feature to defend against firmware-based attacks. The USB controller firmware is also protected to prevent potential BadUSB attacks, ensuring that only verified firmware can run.

OS & Platform Independence

A highly versatile drive, the diskAshur3 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, and more. In short, if the device has a USB port, it will work with the diskAshur3. This flexibility makes it suitable for cross-platform professionals or organizations that manage diverse technology ecosystems.

Ultrafast Transfer Speeds

With transfer speeds of up to 450MB/s, the diskAshur3 outperforms its predecessor, the diskAshur2. Whether you are transferring large files or backing up critical data, these ultrafast speeds ensure minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Additional Features

• Read-only Mode: Ideal for situations where you want to prevent any modification to the data, the diskAshur3’s dual-mode read-only option restricts write access, ensuring the data stays intact.
• Bootable: The drive is bootable, allowing you to install an operating system directly onto it, which can be useful for recovery, testing, or working on secure environments.
• Unattended Auto-Lock: You can configure the drive to lock automatically after being idle for a set period of time, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• Backlit Wear-Resistant Keypad: The epoxy-coated keypad is backlit, making it visible in low-light conditions, while its wear-resistant coating protects against potential hackers deducing commonly used PINs based on wear patterns.

What’s in the Box

The diskAshur3 package includes the portable HDD/SSD, USB Type-C and Type-A cables, a carry case for portability, and a free 1-year license for Nero BackItUp and iStorage DriveSecurity, rounding out an already impressive offering with essential accessories and software.

Pros:

• Top-tier encryption: Military-grade AES-XTS 256-bit encryption and FIPS PUB 197 validation ensure maximum data security.
• Brute force and tamper protection: The drive provides an impressive combination of brute force defense, self-destruct PINs, and tamper-evident design, making unauthorized access nearly impossible.
• Platform independence: Compatibility with virtually any device that has a USB port, making it ideal for multi-platform environments.
• Ultrafast data transfer speeds: At 450MB/s, it is faster than its predecessors, making it suitable for demanding data transfers.
• Multiple PIN options: Separate Admin, User, and One-Time Recovery PINs offer flexibility without sacrificing security.
• Physical durability: The epoxy-coated keypad and tamper-proof casing provide robust physical security against wear and break-in attempts.

Cons:

• Cost: With its feature set and high security, the diskAshur3 is on the pricier side, potentially putting it out of reach for casual users.
• Complexity for basic users: While designed to be user-friendly, users unfamiliar with encryption technology or multiple PIN configurations may find the initial setup and features overwhelming.
• No wireless option: Despite its advanced features, the diskAshur3 is still a wired-only device, which could be a limitation for those seeking wireless portability.

Conclusion

The iStorage diskAshur3 is a top-notch data protection solution that balances ease of use with the highest level of security. From its tamper-proof design to military-grade encryption, it’s built for those who require absolute data security without compromising on performance. Whether you’re a professional handling sensitive information, an IT administrator, or simply someone concerned with privacy, the diskAshur3 provides peace of mind with its advanced features. Despite its premium price, its extensive security options, cross-platform compatibility, and fast data transfers make it a worthy investment for serious users. You can buy the diskAshur3 SSD from iStorage.