Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., announced that its Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 series (KP200 and KP200C) hardware-encrypted USB flash drives have received NIST FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation, aligning them with the previously certified IronKey D500S and reinforcing the company’s commitment to secure data protection.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation signifies that the KP200 series meets a stringent global standard for data security. This certification builds upon Kingston’s existing portfolio of certified devices, making it the first hardware-encrypted USB drive supplier globally with three models—D500S, KP200, and KP200C—achieving this level of security. The validation process, described by Kingston as extensive, underscores the company’s focus on providing robust solutions for data protection.
The KP200 series drives are OS-independent, ensuring compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android platforms through USB-A or USB-C connectors. These drives are designed for users requiring encrypted storage, particularly for loading and unloading software from sensitive equipment such as medical, scientific, industrial, and other machinery with USB interfaces. They also address the enhanced USB drive security recommendations outlined in NIST Special Publication (SP) 1334 guidance for Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure companies.
Richard Kanadjian, global business manager at Kingston, emphasized the rigorous nature of the FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification process. He stated that the IronKey KP200 and KP200C drives are suited for securing data-at-rest and meeting government and military standards globally. Kanadjian added that these drives aim to help organizations mitigate risks and costs associated with lost or stolen devices, while supporting compliance with various regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, NIS2, and CCPA.
Advanced features of the KP200 series include support for dual Admin and User PINs, offering an alternative access method if a password is forgotten. An administrator can also implement a Global Read-Only mode until reset, or a Session Read-Only Mode to prevent unauthorized changes or malware infections on untrusted systems. The drives are also IP68 certified, providing dustproof and waterproof protection.
The KP200 series is customizable with Co-Logo options and is available with USB Type-A and USB Type-C interfaces, in capacities up to 512GB. These drives are backed by a limited 3-year warranty and free technical support. The Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 series integrates DataLock® Secured Technology, licensed from ClevX, LLC.
