Final Thoughts
iStorage does it again! Just like their DiskAshur products the DatAshur PRO2 helps keep your data secure and tamper-proof. While many people might not need this type of security and protection there are definitely enough use-cases out there where a drive like this would be needed, especially when it comes to large organizations and governments. Even if that is not the case it is great to have the type of security that the DatAshur PRO2 offers.
As we mentioned earlier in this review the drive offers AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption that is FIPS PUB 197 validated, a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliant tamper proof & evident design, and a common criteria EAL4+ ready secure microprocessor. You need to PIN to access the drive and it will not unlock otherwise. The brute force attack mechanism means that if someone enters the PIN wrong 10 times the drive will automatically erase all data. There is also a self-destruct PIN which will do the same destroying all data on the drive including the encryption key. So if you are ever in a situation where you need to delete the data quick you can do it that way. Of all of security and encryption features are OS independent so there is no software to install or anything like that. The buttons on the drive are wear-resistant and the components are covered with layer of epoxy resin making the drive tamper-proof.
The small form factor of the drive is what makes it so great. While we really enjoyed the DiskAshur2 it still was a bit large for everyday carry. Being not much larger than your typical USB flash drive means that you can easily put this drive in your pocket or connect it to your keys. Talking about that the keyhole on the drive is made from zinc alloy so you don’t have to worry about it breaking. The drive cover is made of aluminum and the drive itself feels quite strong so it should be able to take drops no problem. Being that the drive is so small those with larger fingers might have trouble pressing buttons, although I did not run into this issue.
The DatAshur PRO2 starts out at $63.98 for the 4GB version, but the 256GB version that we reviewed today sells for $362.48. That means that this drive is not cheap by any means, but remember you are paying extra for all of those security features. Overall ThinkComputers gives the iStorage DatAshur PRO2 a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!
Pros:
– Solid build quality
– All of the security features
– OS & platform independent
– Zinc alloy keyhole
– Self-destruct and brute force protection
– Pretty fast transfer speeds
Cons:
– Buttons might be small for those with larger hands
