Verbatim announces 'world's first' SSD ExpressCards with 256-bit hardware encryption

By Joseph L. Flatley

posted December 3rd 2009 3:00PM

Amongst the various high rollers who read Engadget -- defense industry big wigs, international businessmen, and the like -- security is a major concern, and over the last couple years we've seen quite a number of storage products featuring encryption, from IronKey thumbdrives to Seagate HDDs. If you're a man (or women) with plenty of secrets and a free ExpressCard slot, this next item should be right up your alley: Verbatim's SSD Secure ExpressCard features AES 256-bit hardware encryption, can be scored either in 16GB or 32GB capacities (with 64GB on the horizon) and is designed to securely delete drive contents after ten incorrect password attempts. Compatible with Windows 7, XP, and Vista, this is due to hit trendy European retailers soonish with prices starting at £90 ($150). PR after the break.

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World First: Verbatim SSD Secure ExpressCard with premium AES 256-bit hardware encryption

Egham, 16 November 2009 – Verbatim has launched an SSD Secure ExpressCard with premium AES 256-bit hardware encryption, combining innovative, solid-state drive storage technology with powerful security protection. The SSD Secure ExpressCard, the first of its kind in the world, is available in 32GB and 16GB.

* Premium AES 256-bit hardware encryption
* Mandatory complex password input
* Content of the drive automatically deleted after 10 incorrect password entries
* The SSD Card can be completely inserted into the internal ExpressCard slot
* Low power consumption – longer battery life for laptops and netbooks
* Sturdy and shock resistant
* Compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7

The demand for mobile storage solutions that satisfy strict security standards has grown significantly in recent months. Verbatim's pioneering SSD Secure ExpressCard with premium AES 256-bit hardware encryption guarantees maximum security for stored data. The hardware-based encryption with mandatory complex password input protects the stored data even if the SSD should fall into the wrong hands, with the disk auto-formatting after 10 incorrect password entries deleting all the content on the drive, further increasing the security of the drive. Another new feature is the option of assigning guest passwords, enabling all or some of the data memory accessible to others.

The solid-state drive is extremely sturdy and resistant to shocks and vibrations, making it the perfect high-capacity portable storage device. Another key advantage of SSD storage is its low power consumption, resulting in significantly longer battery life for laptops and netbooks. Thanks to plug and play compatibility, the SSD Secure ExpressCard is immediately ready for use, avoiding the need for prior software installation or having to secure administrator rights. It is also possible to use the ExpressCard as a permanent extension to the memory on netbooks and laptops, since it can be inserted completely into the internal ExpressCard slot.

"We have seen significant growth in the SSD market in recent months. Verbatim is seizing this opportunity and has expanded its SSD ExpressCard range to include a hardware encrypted version: The SSD Secure ExpressCard. Our aim is to address the rapidly growing demand for secure portable storage solutions head-on with innovative products that come with the security aspect already integrated," explains Hans-Christoph Kaiser, Business Development Manager Verbatim EUMEA.

Verbatim's SSD Secure ExpressCards can be inserted into the computer's PCI ExpressCard slot, which is a standard feature of modern laptops. The cards are compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, and will soon be available in stores with capacities of 32GB and 16GB.