The iStorage diskAshur DT3 is a hardware-encrypted desktop hard drive designed for individuals and organizations that prioritize security for their sensitive data. Combining military-grade encryption, ease of use, and robust physical protection, the DT3 is marketed as a solution for protecting confidential data from unauthorized access. Here’s a balanced review of the product, evaluating its key features, performance, and areas where it may fall short.
Security Features
The primary selling point of the iStorage diskAshur DT3 is its security. The drive uses XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption, which is widely regarded as one of the most secure encryption algorithms available today. Since the encryption happens in real-time and on the hardware level, there is no noticeable slowdown during data transfer. The data remains encrypted whether the drive is connected to a computer or not.
A standout feature is the drive's onboard keypad, which requires users to enter a PIN before it can be unlocked and accessed. This PIN-based security model is simple but effective, adding an extra layer of protection. The drive supports admin and user PINs, making it suitable for shared environments. If a PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times (up to 15, depending on the settings), the drive locks itself and requires a special procedure to be reset, ensuring that brute-force attacks are nearly impossible.
Furthermore, the DT3 has built-in brute force protection and tamper-evident epoxy coating. It automatically locks itself when disconnected, ensuring that data cannot be accessed if the drive is stolen or misplaced. Another key security feature is its ability to self-destruct after a certain number of failed attempts. Additionally, the DT3 meets various security certifications such as FIPS 140-3 Level 3, which is critical for organizations that need to comply with strict regulatory standards, including government and defense contractors.
Performance
From a performance standpoint, the iStorage diskAshur DT3 functions like most other desktop external hard drives. Available in storage capacities ranging from 1TB to 20TB, it offers plenty of space for users with substantial data storage needs. The drive uses a USB 3.2 interface, which ensures fast data transfer speeds. In practical terms, users can expect transfer rates of up to 160 MB/s for read and write speeds. While not as fast as SSDs, this is quite good for a hard disk drive, especially one with hardware encryption. It performs reliably during prolonged data transfers, making it suitable for both backups and real-time data storage.
However, because it is a traditional hard drive, the DT3 can be slower compared to modern external SSDs, especially for users working with large files or needing near-instant access to data. This performance trade-off may not be a significant issue for those who prioritize data security over raw speed, but users with high-performance needs might find the mechanical drive limiting.
Build Quality and Design
Physically, the iStorage diskAshur DT3 is built to last. The drive is housed in a solid, tamper-proof casing that protects it against physical damage and attempts to access the internal hardware. Its heavy-duty design makes it quite bulky compared to standard external drives, so it’s not particularly portable. However, as a desktop drive, it’s designed more for stationary use than for travel, and the extra bulk may actually inspire confidence in its durability.
The keypad on the drive is water- and dust-resistant, further enhancing its physical resilience. The buttons are responsive and easy to use, even for those who may not be particularly tech-savvy. Setting up the drive is straightforward and requires no software installation, as the encryption is handled entirely by the hardware. This plug-and-play functionality ensures compatibility with any operating system, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Areas for Improvement
While the diskAshur DT3 excels in security and durability, there are a few areas where it could be improved. First, the price is on the higher side compared to standard external hard drives of similar capacity. This premium price tag is justified by the security features, but it may deter individual consumers who do not require such advanced encryption.
The second area for potential improvement is speed. The drive’s reliance on mechanical hard disk technology means it is slower than SSD-based options, which offer significantly faster read and write speeds. For users who need high-speed data access, the DT3 might not be the best choice, especially for real-time applications like video editing or gaming.
Lastly, the drive’s design, while durable, may be too bulky for some users. It’s certainly not a drive you can slip into a laptop bag easily, so those needing a portable encrypted drive may want to explore smaller options, like iStorage’s SSD offerings.
Conclusion
The iStorage diskAshur DT3 is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking robust, hardware-based data encryption in a desktop hard drive. Its security features are best-in-class, and it is particularly well-suited for businesses or individuals dealing with highly sensitive data. However, its relatively high cost, bulky design, and slower speeds compared to SSDs might not appeal to every user. For those who prioritize security over everything else, the diskAshur DT3 is an excellent investment, but those in need of high performance and portability may need to look elsewhere.
4TB version (which we were sent): £372
Largest version 24TB: £1295
Visit istorage-uk.com