Imation upgrades hardware encrypted USB hard drives

DATA SECURITY COMPANY Imation rolled out an array of security features across its line of hardware encrypted USB hard drives today.

Imation announced that it has introduced up to one terabyte (TB) of storage space across the range as well as new USB hard drive security management features, including biometric fingerprint authentication.

Imation's secure hard drives now meet the requirements of the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) regulations, are protected by AES 256-bit hardware encryption and come with single or dual-factor authentication. This option allows customers to choose between models with password-only authentication, or password plus biometric fingerprint authentication, that is, a tool that protects data by unlocking the drive when users swipe their digits through a built-in ergonomic sensor.

Other advanced features include a "tamper-evident" aluminium casing that allows users to see if the hard drive has been physically compromised. Imation said "Remote kill", "device recycling", and "compliance reporting" features are also included to help protect data.

Imation's general manager for Mobile Security, Lawrence Reusing said in a statement that the firm's release is a reaction to the increasing need for people to transport large data sets "without compromising control over the devices and data".

He added that the launch aims to present IT administrators with simplified data security for travellers, teleworkers and contractors. µ