- The Aegis Padlock DT FIPS processes PINs on the device, not on the connected computer
- This drive works where software-based encryption cannot, including embedded systems.
- Epoxy coating and locked firmware prevent physical tampering and BadUSB attacks on the Padlock DT FIPS
Most companies assume that encrypting their sensitive data is enough, but encryption only matters if keys and authentication methods remain out of reach of attackers.
Software-based encryption tools leave those secrets exposed on the host computer, where keyloggers, screen scrapers, and remote access Trojans can easily capture them.
To help address this issue, Apricorn has expanded its Aegis Padlock DT FIPS line with a new 32TB model that completely removes the host system from the security equation.
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Encryption that never touches your computer
“Offline encrypted storage plays a critical role in broader data protection and resiliency strategies,” said Kurt Markley, CEO of Apricorn.
Padlock DT FIPS performs all authentication directly on the device using an integrated keyboard, meaning no PIN touches the connected computer.
Users write their code to the secure drive itself, which handles all encryption and decryption internally via Apricorn’s proprietary AegisWare firmware.
Eliminates exposure to keyloggers, memory scrapers, and other endpoint-based attacks that impact software-based solutions.
This external hard drive protects data in real time as information is written, and both PINs and stored data remain encrypted while the drive remains idle.
The firmware is locked to prevent modifications, making the drive immune to malware attacks such as BadUSB, which can reprogram normal USB drives.
What the device offers for its price
The 32TB model costs a whopping $1,999.00, adding to 12 other capacities ranging from the 2TB model, which costs $289.00.
This unit allows organizations to consolidate massive data sets into a single device that can be completely isolated from network-based threats.
All internal components are protected from physical tampering with a hardened epoxy coating.
It carries FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation, certification number 4528 from NIST, confirming that it meets strict government security standards.
It also offers hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption, software-free setup and operation, and cross-platform support for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and Chrome.
This drive works where software-based encryption cannot, including embedded systems, diagnostic machinery, and any powered USB device and file storage.
Padlock DT FIPS data transfer runs over a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, delivering up to 5 Gbps and remains backward compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1.
The drive includes an 8MB buffer and an average seek time of 12 milliseconds, and can support downloads of up to 70G while running and 250G when powered off.
There are some disadvantages
While the concept of removing the host computer from the security chain is technically sound, Apricorn’s solution addresses only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
A drive that remains offline is safe from remote attackers, but the moment someone connects it to a computer to read or write data, the integrity of the system becomes relevant again.
The keypad prevents PIN theft, but does not prevent an attacker with physical access from simply taking the unit.
Organizations that purchase this device will still have to manage who has access to it, where it is stored, and which computers it connects to.
The hardware is secure, but the humans operating it are still the weakest link.
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