Imation introduces FIPS-validated secure storage

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 22 February 2011 17:10

Imation has launched a a range of secure removable storage products with FIPS certification. The Defender Collection includes solid state, magnetic and optical media.

Imation's Defender Collection is aimed at organisations that have adopted FIPS standards for securing data at rest. "The need for data security has always existed, but is continuing to grow with strong demand not only from government departments, financial services and the healthcare industry but from corporations and even consumers," said Des McDaid, consumer business manager at Imation Australia.



"Not only do Defender flash drives provide security from unauthorised users, they are designed to be water proof, dust proof and crush resistant, keeping everything from personal family documentation and irreplaceable photography secure from loss," he added.

The flash drives are offered in four models with varying physical designs, all with onboard AES hardware encryption, authentication and manageability. The high-end F200+Bio range includes fingerprint identification and (like most models in the range) is FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated.

They are variously available in capacities ranging from 1GB to 32GB, and at prices from $24.95 (F50 Pivot 2GB) to $674.95 (F200+Bio 32GB). 64GB variants are expected at a later date. The degree of compatibility Windows and Mac OS appears to vary between models.

Two hard drive models are offered. THe H100 comes in 250, 320 and 500GB versions, and meets FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requirements. Custom password policies are supported. The H200 adds fingerprint recognition for two-factor authentication for up to 10 users. The Defender hard drives are compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP, and with Mac OS X 10.5 and later.(Prices TBA.)

The range also includes printable CD-R ($2.50) and DVD-R ($2.95) media with encryption and burning software (Windows only) included on the disc, so there is no need to install any software on a PC to use the media. Defender BD-R discs will be released in the near future.