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…

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