It seems like the benefits are having the device lock/wipe itself after a set amount of attempts in case of a brute force attack and not having to run software to decrypt the drive on the device you plug it into.

I included a picture of the IronKey Keypad 200 but that’s just because it’s the first result that came up when I was looking for an example. There seem to be a few other manufacturers and models out there and they probably have different features.

I am curious what do you think of them? Do you think they are useful? Do you find it more a novelty?


It was an ExplainingComputers video titled Very Useful Small Computing Things that made me think of them.

  • HelixDab2
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    9 months ago

    So if that’s correct, then a single company breaking the IronKey isn’t, by itself, that big of a deal unless and until the knowledge bcomes fairly widely available.

    • Corroded@leminal.spaceOP
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      9 months ago

      I think it’s a factor to consider but it depends on your threat model. A few people have linked an article about a Bitcoin wallet that was on one of these drives that was cracked. I imagine replicating the process would be difficult but with a big enough group going after you who knows?

      The extra layers of security always helps though.

      • HelixDab2
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        9 months ago

        I think that if your threat model is the NSA, then them having physical control over the drive–and probably you in a black site–is probably going to be the end of the road for you.