Why Might I Want a "Secure Firmware" Flash Drive?

In August of 2014, security researchers revealed a potential threat to USB technology known as “badUSB” at a Black Hat event, arguing that any USB device including a webcam, a computer mouse, a keyboard or a flash drive from an untrusted source could potentially be tampered and manipulated by a savvy hacker that could then be used to deliver harmful malware to a computer network. Although it would be a very difficult thing to do, organisations might choose to be proactive in implementing solutions that will help alleviate this potential threat. The new Kanguru FlashTrust Secure Firmware flash drive is designed for those customers and organisations that, while still concerned about security and physical quality, may not require the specific usage scenarios or additional costs of hardware encrypted solutions.

The Kanguru FlashTrust is designed in compliance with NIST requirements for implementation of a digitally signed device firmware. With its RSA-2048 bit, digitally signed and secured firmware, the Kanguru FlashTrust offers consumers and organisations the same level of secure firmware protection typically reserved for encrypted, high-end flash drives to unencrypted USB device users. Any attempt at changing the customized, onboard device firmware with an unauthorised, malicious version is impossible. Furthermore, there are self-tests run at startup of the cryptographic module which handles the firmware security within the USB drive itself that ensure the integrity of the original firmware. If the self-test fails, the device will not operate.

This drive comes with a physical write protect switch, a handy feature for Kanguru flash drives that provides ideal benefits for IT professionals and users alike. Learn more about the Kanguru Physical Write Protect Switch.