SanDisk's new USB drive secures data with 2x hardware encryption

SanDisk steps up to deliver a new USB flash key with a double layer of hardware encryption.

Justin Yu Associate Editor / Reviews - Printers and peripherals

Justin Yu covered headphones and peripherals for CNET.

See full bio

Justin Yu

Jan. 7, 2009 11:30 a.m. PT

The widespread proliferation of sensitive data via USB thumbdrives demands a need for data encryption, and SanDisk is stepping up to bat. Their newest Ultra Backup USB flash drive uses both password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to reduce holes in vulnerability across the board.

Sandisk's entire line of USB flash drives, including their Cruzer series, is also getting a much-deserved makeover. The new designs use a capless design and have a convenient LED that glows amber while the drive is in use. In addition, all the drives will continue to use U3 Smart technology that lets users run software applications directly off the key without any extra fussy drivers.

The Ultra Backup USB drive is offered in a range of capacities from 8GB ($40) to 64GB ($200) and will be available in Spring 2009.