SSD Apricorn 512 GB 2,5 inch USB 3.2 Gen 1 A25-3PL256-S512F

The Apricorn Aegis Padlock Fortress is a 512 GB external solid state drive in a compact 2.5-inch enclosure with an integrated USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable. It combines hardware AES-XTS 256-bit encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation with a rugged, low-power design that resists shock, vibration, humidity and wide temperature ranges. With sustained transfer speeds up to 180 MB/s and a software-free keypad interface, the drive provides portable, platform-independent secure storage without requiring administrator rights.

Advantages

The drive provides real-time hardware encryption (AES-XTS 256-bit) and is validated to NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 2, protecting data, PINs and encryption keys at rest. Its solid state construction eliminates moving parts for improved shock and vibration resistance and silent operation, while the integrated USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable offers high-speed data transfer and backward compatibility with USB 2.0/1.1. The onboard keypad prevents host key‑logging and supports independent Admin and User PINs, forced enrollment, auto-lock, drive reset and brute-force self-destruct protection. Critical electronics are epoxy-sealed and VTC technology mitigates timing attacks.

Suitable for

• Secure transport of sensitive corporate or government data
• Regulated industries requiring FIPS 140-2 validated storage (e.g., finance, healthcare, education)
• Field work and mobile professionals who need rugged, portable encrypted storage
• Corporate deployment where software-free, cross-platform use and no admin rights are required

Key specifications

• Capacity: 512 GB
• Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (integrated cable), backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
• Max transfer speed: up to 180 MB/s (read/write dependent)
• Encryption: Hardware AES-XTS 256-bit (FIPS PUB 197)
• Certification: NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated
• Form factor: 2.5-inch external SSD, integrated cable, colour: black
• Ruggedness: shock rated 1500G/0.5ms, vibration 20G/20-2000Hz; operates in extreme temperatures and high humidity

How to use

Connect the integrated USB cable to a host USB port; the drive requires no software installation and works on any operating system that supports USB mass storage. At first use the drive enforces forced enrollment so you must create a unique PIN; you can configure independent Admin and User PINs and enroll up to five user IDs plus one administrator. Enter your PIN on the onboard keypad to unlock the drive and access files. If the user PIN is forgotten the Admin PIN can unlock the drive. Use the Admin command to perform a drive reset when redeploying; reset erases all data and generates a new encryption key.

Recommendations

Store the Admin PIN securely and maintain a documented recovery policy before deploying to users. Configure auto-lock intervals appropriate to your workflow, and perform regular backups of critical data to avoid permanent loss in case the drive is reset or the encryption key is destroyed after multiple failed PIN attempts.