USB-stick Apricorn 8 GB USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 ASK3

The Apricorn ASK3 USB flash drive provides hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption with an integrated keypad for PIN authentication. This 8 GB USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (3.0) drive delivers up to 77 MB/s read and 72 MB/s write speeds, a compact cap design, and cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome and embedded systems. All data is encrypted on the fly and remains encrypted at rest; internal components are epoxy-protected and firmware is locked down to resist tampering and malware.

Advantages

The device is fully software-free and uses a hardware-only encryption engine that meets NIST FIPS 140 requirements. Unlocking is performed on the onboard keypad rather than the host keyboard, preventing software and hardware keyloggers from capturing PINs. Admin and User modes allow separate access control and policy enforcement, including programmable PIN length, configurable read-only states, and a brute-force defense that can crypto-erase after a chosen number of invalid attempts. The drive can be presented to hosts as either fixed disk or removable media for broad compatibility.

Suitable for

• Secure transport of sensitive files between computers and devices
• Use in mixed operating system environments (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Chrome)
• Deployment in corporate, government, medical or industrial settings requiring FIPS-level cryptography
• Situations requiring enforced user enrollment, admin-controlled policies, or read-only evidence preservation

Key specifications

• Capacity: 8 GB
• Interface: USB Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.0) compatible
• Read speed: up to 77 MB/s; Write speed: up to 72 MB/s
• Encryption: 100% hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS
• Authentication: onboard keypad PIN (7–16 characters configurable)
• Weight: 0.022 kg; Colour: Black
• Standards: NIST FIPS 140 compliant

How to use

Configure the device using the Admin mode via the onboard keypad or the Windows Aegis Configurator for bulk setup. During initial setup an Admin PIN must be created; Admins can preconfigure devices to require user forced enrollment so each user sets a unique PIN before access. To unlock the drive, enter the PIN on the integrated keypad — the device remains invisible to the host until successfully authenticated. Use the Admin PIN to access administrative settings, recovery PINs, and to change global policies.

Recommendations

Set an appropriately long PIN (closer to 16 characters) and enable recovery or admin-controlled policies that fit your security workflow. Choose the device presentation (Fixed Disk or Removable Media) according to the target host or embedded system requirements. Program the acceptable number of consecutive invalid PIN attempts to balance usability and protection against brute-force attacks.