Keep It Secret. Keep It Safe. –
Kingston recently released their next wave of USB Data Lockers from the earlier DataTravel Locker + G2 model. The Kingston DataTravler Vault Privacy 3.0 Anti-Virus USB 3.0 Flash Drive is more than just a mouthful, it is easy to use and will provide more protect than the average person will probably need.
The official press release about the DTVP 3.0 can be read HERE.
Although USB 2.0 models are available, USB 3.0 provides a much faster data transfer speed and should be taken advantage of if your PC has been updated with USB 3.0. The good news is that it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 as well.
So besides the obvious speed boost with the help of USB 3.0, the big kicker with this little device is the ability to protect your data while still being highly mobile.
Upon the first connection with a PC, the user is walked through the initial setting up of a password. Just like logging into any work station, the system will ask for this password each time the device is plugged into a PC. By default, the device will format itself if the log-in password is entered incorrectly 10 consecutive times; this is where the handy security feature comes into play. Further, this flash drive uses 100% hardware based encryption which means it is virtually impossible for hackers to break in. But worry not, the entire system is incredibly easy to use and is cross compatible with PC and Mac computers; just set up a password and continue to use like any other flash drive. It is virtually plug-and-play but with added piece of mind that your data is protected and is also compatible with Linux. PDF instructions on how to use the device are located in the root of the flash drive and are accessible without needed to log in.
As a word of advice, this USB drive is not recommended with use of a USB hub and if you are running strong virus protection on your PC you might have to temporarily disable it to initialize the flash drive’s log in screen.
Unlike the G2 models, this new model also comes with (optional) built-in anti-virus protection. This isn’t your average free-ware anti-virus protection either. This unit uses the ClevX DriveSecurity powered ESET anti-virus protection with the ESET’s NOD 32 proactive technology. Yes, this sounds way more complicated than it really is but in short it always keeps you protected no matter where you plug in. This system works to shield users from hazards like Trojans, worms, spyware, and even adware and will instantly alert the user when a threat is detected. And thanks to the 5-year license and the stellar Kingston warranty, this is one flash drive that is worth its weight in gold.
Physically, this gadget sports a blueish/purpleish color and comes with optional strap to connect to a key ring. This unit is significantly longer and wider than the original stainless steel G2 model but is nowhere near as weighty but yet still feels sturdy despite having a more hollow-type feeling. Even snapping the cap on and off has a high quality solidness to it and the cap can fit on its opposite end when in use.
Oh yeah, and this baby is waterproof. And I can actually speak to this because I accidently put it through the washer and dryer… twice! This didn’t even phase it and continued to work as if nothing happened making this unit idiot proof both physically and electronically.
Not that this can truly been held against it but this unit can only be used with a computer due to the security firewall in place. For example, my car has a USB port in which I can use to upload music/videos/pics for use on my dashboard touch screen. Unfortunately, this flash drive will not work in this situation because my car will not recognize it due to the lack of a proper OS. The same goes for smart TVs – you cannot plug in this flash drive to your TV to display your vacation pictures, for example. But to be fair, that is exactly what this unit is designed NOT to do.
Although the added cost of the anti-virus feature might not be for everyone, there are always computer files to keep private and secure. Kingston makes it easy enough for anyone to use while providing a piece a mind; your files will be protected and the product is also backed by Kingston’s confident warranty.
Available in 4GB, 8GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, there is a storage option that will best suit your needs. Depending on the retailer, the exact model, and options (with anti-virus or without), prices will range to about $30-$200. Sure these units cost more than your average USB drive but the welcomed features separate this from the rest and is well worth the extra cost.
4.5/5
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
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