Secure transfer key iTwin gains multi-user capability
updated 01:00 am EST, Thu January 12, 2012
End-to-end encrypted data mirroring
Secure storage-and-sharing USB key iTwin has been upgraded to allow users to share files stored on a computer with multiple people simultaneously, providing an end-to-end encrypted solution for mirroring files that are on one part of the two-part USB key instantly to its mates. The free update lets multiple iTwin keys "belong" to each other, making transfer of data easy without the constraints of e-mail, the technical complication of VPN or the ongoing fees of cloud services.
Each two-piece double-headed USB iTwin sells for $99. Users connect one side of the key to their own computer and indicate what files or folders should be shared (no storage limit). The other "half" is detached and plugged into another computer anywhere with internet access, creating a secure channel where designated "shared" files are transferred to the other computer that has the "other half" attached. The devices use 256-bit AES encryption throughout the process.
The software for Mac is in beta and does not yet allow "live" editing of shared files as it does on Windows, and requires Snow Leopard or Lion, but users can freely share or transfer files between Macs and PCs. The company says the live editing feature will be added to the Mac software soon. If one half of the iTwin is lost or stolen, it can be remotely disabled, and no data is stored on a cloud server. There are no fees beyond the purchase price.
The company is demonstrating the hardware at CES, and showing off the new iTwin Multi capability that works with both Macs and Windows PCs. Once "twinned," each computer can access whatever files were designated as being sharable, even those on external drives or mounted remote drives.
