Kingston Technology today unveiled the DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drive, a Federal Information Processing Standard-validated USB flash drive in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes. The BlackBox carries FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, which requires the device to pass a Power On Self Test which verifies the encryption architecture is functioning. The DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drives are currently shipping, starting at $165 and ranging to $425.

"We are very excited that our DataTraveler BlackBox met all federal requirements established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)," said Mark Akoubian, Flash memory product manager for Kingston. "This certification, along with other enhanced security features makes the DT BlackBox an ideal way to store and transport confidential documents with the utmost confidence that the data is secure."

In addition to the initial POST test the device runs, actual data is protected by 256-bit hardware AES encryption processor, which can encrypt and decrypt data on the fly. The drive locks itself if 10 consecutive failed password attempts occur. The encryption method requires no additional software or administrator access to function.

DataTraveler BlackBox features a 20MB per second write speed, and a 24MB per second read. The actual case is made from titanium-coated stainless steel, and is waterproof, adding to overall security and durability.