diskG*

Highlights

	Secure access with personalised 6-16 digit PIN		Administration feature allows 1 Admin and up to 10 user PIN codes
	Complete security with Real Time 128-bit or 256-bit Military Grade AES Hardware Encryption		Compatibility with any OS - Windows, MAC, Linux
	Encrypts all data on the fly, as fast as any USB2 hard drive		Government accredited – the only portable hard drive to have been awarded CESG CCTM
	When diskG* is not connected all data is encrypted		Utilises FIPS PUB 197 validated Encryption Algorithm
	Easy to install and set up as no software required also NO Admin Rights required		Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism
	Easy to use – simply drag and drop data to the diskG* or use with any backup software		VTC Technology
	Convenience via integrated USB2 cable		Wear resistant key pad
	BUS powered – no mains power required		Includes free travel pouch
	Robust, portable and compact design with shock mounting to protect from drops		Guaranteed with 2 year warranty

Overview

Why choose diskG*?

Did you know that tens of millions of external data storage devices are lost every year and this figure is rising. Have you ever considered the impact of losing your non-encrypted hard drive or USB flash memory key? Your data would be at the mercy of anyone who stumbles across it. Your personal videos may appear on YouTube, your business data sent to a competitor, your personal and financial information used for fraudulent purposes.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) now has the power to fine businesses and government bodies up to £500,000 for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. This includes the loss of an unencrypted portable hard drive or USB flash memory key that contains customer data. The ICO has been very clear in advising businesses to encrypt all data that workers access, they also recognise that data which is encrypted and lost or stolen is not vulnerable to compromise.

Loss of confidential data can have a devastating effect on both businesses and consumers. It could lead to a hefty fine, the downfall of a business, embarrassment, job losses and adverse media focus. The diskG* can protect you against all of this.

How does it work?

Step 1 - Plug integrated USB2 cable in to any PC, MAC or Linux system

Step 2 - Enter your personal 6-16 digit PIN on the alphanumeric keypad

Step 3 - You're up and running

Once access to the diskG* is granted by entering the correct 6-16 digit PIN, data can be copied to the diskG* using any off the shelf backup software, or simply drag and drop files and directories using Windows Explorer. Once the diskG* is disconnected, all data is encrypted and cannot be accessed unless the correct PIN is entered.

Military strength Hardware encryption

The encryption chipset incorporated within the diskG* encrypts all data using 128-bit or 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption. The diskG* is the only USB hard drive to be awarded the CESG CCTM government accreditation. The diskG* also utilises FIPS PUB 197 validated Encryption Algorithm.

The recommended standard for symmetric encryption is AES (advanced Encryption Standard). The Committee of National Security Systems (CNSS) rates the AES algorithm as acceptable for encrypting top secret data on their AES policy fact sheet, stating “The design and strength of all key lengths of the AES algorithm (i.e. 128,192 and 256) are sufficient to protect classified information up to the SECRET level. TOP Secret information will require use of either the 192 or 256 key lengths.”

Brute Force Hack Defence Mechanism

The diskG* uses a three pronged approach to protect against a Brute Force Attack. The first step is to deny access to the drive until the drive can verify the user PIN. After six incorrect attempts the drive will lock itself, requiring the drive to be disconnected and then reconnected. This feature blocks automated attempts to enter PIN numbers. Lastly, after one hundred incorrect PIN attempts, the diskG* assumes it is being attacked and will destroy the encryption key and lock itself, rendering the data useless and requiring a total reset and reformat to redeploy the diskG*.

VTC Technology

The diskG* also incorporates Variable Time Circuit (VTC) technology, which thwarts “timing attacks” aimed at accessing the drive by studying the behaviour and infiltrating diskG*’s electronics.

What is the difference between software and hardware encryption?

Software encryption:

• Complex passwords can be cracked easily and quickly with a Brute Force Attack
• Simple password cracking software is readily available on the internet, often free of charge
• Software encryption is vulnerable to key loggers – where every key pressed is logged in either a software or hardware key logger
• Software encryption can be corrupted by viruses
• Software encryption is much slower when compared to hardware encryption
• Software encryption needs to be installed on each computer that the external storage device is used on

Hardware encryption:

• The diskG* cannot be brute force attacked
• The diskG* is not vulnerable to keyloggers as the PIN is entered on the unit rather than the keyboard
• The diskG* is not vulnerable to malware or viruses
• Encryption is performed in real-time thus there is no speed degradation
• No software or drivers are required

Specifications

Encryption	Benefits
Easy to use keypad design	Unlock the drive with your own unique 6-16 digit PIN code
Real-time 128 or 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption	Encrypts 100% of your data in real-time (no speed degradation) and keeps your data safe even if the hard drive is removed from the enclosure
No software installation	No software required to setup or operate - making it perfect for corporate deployments
Administrator feature	Allows enrolment of up to ten unique user ID's and one administrator, making it a useful business collaboration tool
Features	Benefits
Ultra-portable design	Ideal to take between home and the office or on trips
Integrated cable	Integrated USB 2.0 cable
Low powered design	Bus powered from standard USB port
Extensive Shock Mounting	Protects the drive with a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system
Hard Drive Capacities	250GB*, 320GB*, 500GB*, 640GB* & 750GB*
Plug-n-Play and Compatible on any system	No need to power down, just plug and go
Secure storage	Excellent for notebook owners, road warriors, government, health care, insurance companies, financial institutions, HR departments and executives with sensitive data
Box Contents	iStorage diskG* Drive with integrated cable, Quick Start Guide, Auxiliary power cable & neoprene travel pouch
Technical Specifications
Data Transfer Rates	USB 2.0 - Up to 480Mbps
Power Supply	100% bus powered
Interface	Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Buffer Size	8MB
RPM	5400
Average seek time	12 ms
Shock - non operating	1000G 1ms
Shock - operating	300G 2ms
Dimensions & weight	19mm X 84.5mm X 120mm (0.75" X 3.3" X 4.7") weight: 6.2 oz.
Warranty	2 years parts and labour
Approvals	CESG CCTM, FCC, CE, RoHS, WEEE
System Requirements	Hardware: PC compatible computer with Pentium CPU or similar, 32MB of RAM, CD-ROM or CD-RW, USB 1.2 or 2.0, Apple G3 or later Operating systems: Windows 2000, Microsoft XP, Vista or Windows 7, Mac OS 10.2 or greater, Linux
Ordering Information	iStorage Part Number: IS-DG-256-xxx (xxx=drive size in GBs)
*One gigabyte (GB) = one billion bytes; accessible capacity will be less and actual capacity depends on the operating environment and formatting.

Reviews

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Read customer testimonials

	Softpedia Softpedia reviews the diskG and says "we have seen more and more hardware encrypted storage solutions making their way into the market, but the diskG is one of the most innovative of them." Read the online review
	PC Advisor "PC Advisor includes diskG* in the "Top 5 best portable hard drives you can buy in the UK right now" Read the online review
	Business info review "The diskG* from iStorage takes a belts and braces approach to data security. Read the full review
	TIMESONLINE "Gadget of the week" The TIMESONLINE'S glowing review of the diskG*, awarding the device the prestigious title of "Gadget of the week" Read the online review
	The Daily Mail Online "The iStorage diskG* could provide the answer on how best to transport sensitive data in the most secure way possible." Read the full review | Read the online review
	Micromart "a secure storage system if you want the advantages SSD has to offer" Read the full review
	Techworld "the pull of the diskG* is its admirable simplicity." Read the full review | Read the online review
	May 2010 - The Sunday Post (Gadgets up close) "...the diskG* is little short of a godsend" Read the full review

Documents

iStorage diskG* datasheet

Product comparison

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* Previously known as diskGenie