RFID Spells Data Security for USB Hard Drives

January 16th, 2008

Here's an interesting way to restrict access to your data: rather than remembering an easily crackable password or relying on the sensitivity of a fingerprint scanner (we think back to that episode of Myth Busters where they opened up a fingerprint lock with a rubber mold and shudder), why not use an RFID scanner to store your data's encrypted key? That's the idea behind the STYSEN E08 RFID Security 2.5 Inch HDD Enclosure, a $56 kit that attaches to a SATA hard drive and connects to your computer via Hi-Speed USB 2.0. A keychain RFID transmitter stores the drive's key; scanning the transmitter over the drive unlocks it so you can access your secure data with ease.

While you're more likely to lose a keychain than you are your fingerprints, we really like two features about this kit: first, it's easy to upgrade - change out the drive and you're up to date with the latest technology without losing your security - and second, the kit includes a security feature that forces the drive into reformat mode if it's ever separated from the kit. Maybe RFID is the way to go for secure, portable data…

Filed under External Hard Drives & Other USB Storage

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