iStorage is popular for their vast range of encrypted storage devices, which includes portable USB drives and external SSDs. We got a chance to try out the iStorage DISKASHUR PRO 3, and here are our thoughts about the drive.
The iStorage DISKASHUR PRO 3 features a tamper-proof and evident design. The drive comes with dimensions of 131mm height, 83mm width, and 20.8mm depth. The device also weighs around 257g. For its security, the device relies on outer physical keys and not on any software. There are the numeric keys, the unlock key, and a shift key. The drive also has three LED indicators above the numeric keypad.
Out of the three LEDs, the red is shown to indicate locked status or standby mode, the solid green for unlocked status, the blinking green for data transfers, and the blue for admin mode. There is also a USB-C port on the top side of the drive (USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed interface). The port is also backwards compatible with older USB 3.0/2.0/1.1 connections. There is also a Kensington Security Lock Slot, next to the USB-C port.
As for durability, the device is an IP56-certified drive for dust and water resistance, and the keypads feature a wear-resistant epoxy coating for long-lasting performance. The keypad is also backlit, which makes it useful to use in dark situations.
The contents of the box include the DISKASHUR PRO 3 portable drive, a protective carry case, USB Type-C & Type-A Cables, and quick start guide. Additionally, you also get a free 1 year license for both Nero BackItUp and iStorage DriveSecurity. The iStorage DriveSecurity appears to come powered with ESET’s NOD32 antivirus technology.
The iStorage DISKASHUR PRO 3 comes in both SSD and HDD configurations. The SSD model is offered with storage options ranging from 512GB, and up to 16TB capacities. We got the 2TB SSD model for review. With regard to performance, iStorage mentions that the drive is capable of data transfers with 448MB/s read, and 444MB/s write speeds, respectively. We ran the CrystalDiskMark to find out the real-world performances, and our performance numbers were nearly what was claimed. This can differ for different system configurations.
As for its encryption, the drive is pending the new FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation standard while having passed the CAVP certification testing. The drive also features real-time Full Disk data security through the implementation of the military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. You will be able to configure the encryption modes between AES-XTS 256-bit, AES-ECB 256-bit, and AES-CBC 256-bit.
The device also features a secure microprocessor that is certified to Common Criteria EAL5+. The microprocessor also sports a distinctive flash lock mechanism, providing defense against potential firmware attacks. Other features include protection from BadUSB attacks, thanks to an innovative secure USB controller firmware protection mechanism. Other interesting features include the capability to install any operating system on the DISKASHUR PRO 3 and booting directly from the drive.
Verdict
If you are looking for a secure USB storage device that does not rely on any software to secure the data, then the iStorage DISKASHUR PRO 3 is a good choice to consider. The drive comes with both SSD and HDD configurations at different capacities. The drive is an OS and software-independent device and relies on its own keypads to unlock the device. The drive features a fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed interface for fast data transfers.
The device is also IP56 certified for dust and water resistance, along with its wear-resistant epoxy coating on the keypad. The device features the pending FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation standard, along with AES-XTS 256-bit, AES-ECB 256-bit, and AES-CBC 256-bit encryption modes to choose from. It even includes several locking mechanisms to protect the data and protection from BadUSB attacks.
