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I have previously reviewed the SecureDrive BT SSD and the BT USB Flash Drive. Today I will be looking at the SecureDrive KP.
This is more of a traditional hardware encrypted drive, coming in a 2.-5-inch portable drive format with a built-in keypad for encryption. The hard disk sizes go from 500GB to 5TB; then it also comes with SSD options from 250GB to 8TB.
Specification
- FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated: Certificate #3297
- Award Winning: Red Dot 2019 Award Winner
- Works with any device with a powered USB port
- Hardware encryption: XTS-AES 256-bit
- Interior parts covered in epoxy to prevent media removal from hackers
- Alphanumeric keypad for user authentication (7 – 15-digit PIN)
- Brute-force, anti-hacking protection
- Safe delete/wipe of all data/keys
- Admin/user modes
- Read Only mode
- Auto-lock
- Preloaded with DriveSecurity® ESET Antivirus (1-year license included)
Set UP
I find these drives are a little more complex to set up than the Bluetooth variant. You definitely need to read the instruction as setting up requires various keypresses.
If you are only setting this up basically with one user, everything is quite easy. When you want to start using an admin user, normal user and setting read/write permissions; all the button presses can start getting a little confusing.
I think the Bluetooth variant offers a little more usability for multi-user and corporate applications (dependant on your ability to access your phone at work).
For a single user, as long as you remember the pin, it is probably faster to unlock this than the Bluetooth model.
Performance
The internal drive appears to be made by Western Digital and runs at 5400 RPM, which is standard for this size of drive.
In CrystalDiskMark, drive performance is a bit below what you expect from a normal drive. Sequential read and right hit around 112MB/s, but the random 4Kb reads and writes drop off significantly. I assume this is due to the overhead introduced by the hardware encryption, but it is quite possible an issue with this benchmark on encrypted drives.
In ATTO, things look a little better, and it looks like the drive speeds only drop off significantly once you hit the 8KB mark and the drive offers superior small file read/write performance than the 4TB Toshiba drive I use for backups
Overall though, it is a spinning disk drive; performance is as expected and is perfectly acceptable for things like backups.
Price and Alternatives
The 500GB HDD model I was sent sells for £149.61 direct from SecureDrive, but there is an £18.89 shipping fee, you will presumably be hit with import fees and VAT
You can pick up the SecureData 1TB SecureDrive KP from Amazon US for the RRP of $249, and Amazon will then charge $64.66 shipping & import fees which works out at £224
This leaves SecureDrive in an unfavourable position for the UK market, it is not a massive difference in price, but then you have the faff of waiting for things to come from the US.
In the UK, iStorage make more sense, the 500GB diskAshur M2 SSD can be had for under £200, complying and is FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliant or the 1TB diskAshur DT2 HDD also for under £200 with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 (US) certification.
For US buyers, the pricing seems about right, this is $209 but the other options perhaps offer more value for month.
The 1TB version of this is $249, and the 2TB is $299, which makes them more attractively priced than the popular Apricorn Aegis Fortress.
Overall
SecureDrive makes great encrypted drives, and the KP continues this tradition. It is easy to use, and the 2.5” drive format makes it easy to take with you anywhere.
It offers all the security you need, and all businesses that handle form of sensitive data should seriously consider using something like this. Apart from being ideal for securely moving data around when you travel, these are ideal for secure data backups.
Due to no UK retailer selling these directly, prices are a little higher than competing brands, but not significantly so. For buyers in the US, these drives offer much more competitive pricing.
While I personally prefer the newer style Bluetooth drives, the simplicity and reliability of a key coded drive will always appeal.
SecureDrive KP Hardware-Encrypted External Portable Drive Review
Summary
The SecureDrive KP is an excellent hardware encrypted portable drive that offers more than enough security for most users and business
Overall
80%-
Overall - 80%
80%
Pros
- Perfect solution for secure backups
- Easy to use for a single user
Cons
- No UK retailers make these a touch more expensive than competing brands in the UK
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.