Review: Kingston DataTraveler Vault — Privacy Edition 64GB
For most of us who need a USB flash drive, anything will do. The problem is that if you lose the drive, anyone can look at the data on the drive. So if you want that extra measure of security you’ll need a drive that encrypts the data which keeps said data out of the wrong hands. A good choice of drive would be the Kingston Data Traveler Vault – Privacy Edition. I tested the 64GB model which comes with these key features:
- Assembled in the U.S.A
- Waterproof
- 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
- Enforced complex password
A key feature is the 256-BIT AES hardware-based encryption. What this means that your data is encrypted in such a way that very few people would have the ability to even attempt to crack the security. Running a close second is the fact that the device enforces complex passwords. That’s important because you don’t want a password that is a easy to guess one. Thus it forces you to use a password like “Pa$$w0rd” which is more secure than “password” for example. All of that makes your data very safe. One big thing to note, this drive worked on both my Macs and PCs. That’s a nice touch. It also supports LINUX as well which makes it truly unique.
So, how well did it work? It worked quite well for the most part. I was able to move stuff to and from the drive as quick as any flash drive out there. I did notice that a couple of Windows applications had some problems accessing the drive as the believed that the drive had no free space, but I could access the drive fine via Windows Explorer. I will say that the applications in question were software for the medical industry that likely had “unique” ways of addressing the drive. Thus I believe those of you who use Microsoft Office should have no issue.
The only thing that might deter you from running out to buy one is the fact these drives are kind of pricey. The 64GB model that I tested retails for about $350 CDN. But you can get a 4GB model for $35 CDN and there are plenty of capacities in between the two that should fit your needs and budget. One thing that I will point out is that this is affordable for this type of drive as many of these drives retail for significantly more money.
If you’re looking for a drive that has top notch encryption, the Kingston DataTraveler Vault — Privacy Edition should be on your shopping list. It has a features list that’s hard to beat and your data will be as safe as houses.
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