There are many names for today’s most flexible and mobile personal storage solution: flash drive, memory stick, thumb drive. No matter the name, the idea behind the product is still the same. The flash drive is a basic collection of non-volatile memory storage in an easy to handle container that connects to a PC or other device using a USB connector.

Just a few years ago, large files were difficult to transfer between non-networked devices. Users had few choices and size restriction kept file size reduced. With the introduction of the first flash drives, consumers could now easily transfer data between any USB enabled devices with little to no effort. However, there was one small drawback… security.

The following five USB flash drives are security-enabled devices that provide varying levels of encryption and data security and are listed in no particular order.

Kingston DataTraveler 4000 Managed DT4000M

• Pros: Business quality managed drive, FIPS 140-2-certified
• Cons: USB 3.0 is not an option

Drive Size	2, 4, 8, 16 GB
Drive Type	Flash
USB	2.0
Amazon.com	$73.74 (16 GB version)

Imation Defender F200 Biometric

• Pros: Biometric protection, FIPS 140-3-certified
• Cons: USB 3.0 is not an option, expensive for performance

Drive Size	16 GB
Drive Type	Flash
USB	2.0
Amazon.com Price	$220.26

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key

• Pros: Keypad, compatible with many devices and OS versions
• Cons: Sluggish performance

Drive Size	4, 8, 16 GB
Drive Type	Flash
USB	2.0
Amazon.com Price	$116.27 (16 GB version)

Kanguru Defender 2000

• Pros: Fast performance, manageability
• Cons: No USB 3.0

Drive Size	4, 8, 16 GB
Drive Type	Flash
USB	2.0
Amazon.com Price	$124.71 (16 GB version)

CMS Products CE-Secure Vault

• Pros: Manageability, FIPS 140-2-certified
• Cons: No USB 3.0

Drive Size	8 GB
Drive Type	Flash
USB	2.0
Amazon.com Price	$122.32 (16 GB version)