Most Secure Flash Drives

USB flash drives with added security features

The ultimate in USB flash drive security can take many forms. Some manufacturers use biometric fingerprint readers or combination locks to secure data. Others rely on software programs to encrypt sensitive information, or Internet-based tracking systems to enable remote deletion of the drive's memory in case of theft. Many of these drives end up being dismissed by reviewers as overkill for the average user -- they're often bulky and expensive, not to mention, difficult to use.

Such is the case with SanDisk's Ultra Titanium Plus (*Est. $30 for 8 GB). Although closely related flash drive sibling Cruzer Ultra Titanium (see below) is very highly rated, Ultra Titanium Plus earns critical scorn for offering an absurdly expensive security system. Justin Yu, writing for CNet.com, concedes that the Ultra Titanium Plus is fast, durable and comes with a very good manufacturer warranty (five years). The main selling point of the Ultra Titanium Plus is the bundled BelnSync software, which backs up data online. Data files are then available for download any time, from anywhere, using the BelnSync website. Furthermore, the saved information is protected from theft; data files for drives reported as stolen will be deactivated, and the service shut down.

Unfortunately, this key feature also comes at a premium; SanDisk includes a complimentary six-month subscription to BelnSync but once that expires users have to pay $30 a year to continue the service. "We're put off by the subsequent annual service fee and the expensive retail price, especially when other drives at equal capacity cost much less," comments Yu.

The IronKey Secure flash drive (*Est. $140 for 4 GB) does better in reviews. It's a top pick at Geek.com and TrustedReviews.com. Although the praise is somewhat grudging, Scot Finnie of Scot's Newsletter and Zac O'Vadka of EverythingUSB.com both admit that the IronKey offers unparalleled security and performance for those who need it. Explains TrustedReviews.com's Ardjuna Seghers, inside the IronKey Secure drive is "a military-grade cryptography-chip that'll automatically encode all your data (it can never be deactivated) using AES 128-bit encryption." The hardware-based system is faster than comparable software-security systems. As if that weren't enough protection, all stored data is automatically overwritten after 10 consecutive failed password attempts or if the external casing is breached. Additional security features include an anti-phishing utility that confirms website authenticity before you can enter your password and extensive authentication systems to access data stored at the IronKey website. IronKey even offers guarantees about the security of its physical facility.

The IronKey Secure didn't come out on top in Finnie's six-week USB flash drive test; in fact, it performed dismally in his speed test. But when dismissing the IronKey in his original roundup, Finnie promised to cover it more extensively in the future, writing, "This product may not be that fast, but it's an incredibly cool device with serious security." He lived up to his promise six months later, blogging that the IronKey is the hands-down winner for users who need the best in USB flash drive security. Other experts had better results in their tests -- EverythingUSB.com and TrustedReviews.com both describe the IronKey as fast, even when compared to models without encryption. The IronKey Secure's hardy, waterproof and crush-proof metal casing earns additional praise.

All reviewers agree on the IronKey's major drawback: price. All this security comes with the heftiest price tag of any USB flash drive covered in this report; the IronKey Secure retails at approximately $140 for 4 GB and $270 for 8 GB. The 1 GB model sells for around $70; that's more than 14 times more expensive per gigabyte than Corsair's Flash Survivor GT.