SafeStick Resources

safe stick encryption SafeStick Introduction
how rugged is a safestickSafeStick Supersonic
SafeConsole Management
Product FAQ
Watch Product Tour
control usb lockdown access All Sticks are NOT Equal
control usb lockdown access They Wish They'd Encrypted
Datasheets & Whitepapers
Customer References
Press Reviews & Awards
safe stick flashid two factor Authentication Token Use
Interface Screenshots
safe stick destruction SafeStick Destruction Tests
request safe stick evaluation Request an Evaluation Stick
request safe stick evaluation Download SafeConsole
download Flashid two factor deepnet Download FlashID for SafeStick
request safe stick pricing Request a Quotation
Latest SafeConsole Version SafeConsole Current Version :
4.0.1 March 2010
Latest SafeStick Firmware Version SafeStick Firmware Version :
4.0.1 March 2010

Related Products

usb encryption DriveCrypt Disk Encryption
endpoint lockdown DeviceLock Endpoint Lockdown

Further Assistance
Request a Call Back
Request a 1 to 1 Live Demo
Register for a Webinar
Quick Enquiry Form

SafeStick FAQ

FAQ

What is SafeStick ?
SafeStick is an ultra small, high speed, USB 2.0 memory stick available in 1GB to 64GB capacities - with a very important difference - TOTAL automatic, full HARDWARE encryption of all data.

The stick features an onboard, non-bypassable Intel security chip which encrypts all data copied to and from the device, to Government and FIPS certified AES 256bit.

Encryption is totally transparent and requires no software installed anywhere.  Simply plug it in, enter your strong user definable password and starting using it.

SafeStick provides 100% FULL encryption.  All files, folders and sectors are encrypted automatically - nothing is left to chance or user error.

For managing ten, to hundreds of thousands of SafeSticks in a Corporate environment, a full management and reporting console called "SafeConsole" is also available which hooks directly into Active Directory.  More info below.


What is SafeStick SuperSonic?
For demanding users who require the very fastest performance,  SafeStick SuperSonic is the ultra-fast speed edition of the proven SafeStick technology.

SuperSonic has different internal hardware components, which pushes USB 2.0 performance to the absolute limit. Up to 23Mbyte/s for write and 33Mbyte/s for read, providing lightning speed transfers of files.

**NOTE**  SafeStick will be available in a USB 3.0 version shortly!


Can SafeStick be "managed" in a Corporate Environment?
Yes.

SafeConsole allows you to manage hundreds of thousands of SafeSticks wherever they may be in the world.

With SafeConsole you can KILL lost sticks, backup data automatically and reset forgotten user passwords.

SafeConsole provides full Windows Active Directory integration, management, assigning of different policies depending on AD membership, remote reset of passwords, auditing, data shadowing, reporting, disabling, wiping of sticks and more.

SafeConsole v4 adds Backup of SafeSticks, Port Control, Easyshare (share individual files with a temporary PIN), File Publisher across the WAN and Autorun management.

Watch the demo


Why do I need an encrypted USB Memory Sticks?
Tens of thousands of unencrypted USB sticks are lost, misplaced or stolen each year.

Unless your data is encrypted it is incredibly simple for anyone to view, remove and share ANY of the data that was stored on it. 

There have been many high profile, embarrassing instances recently where company employee details, patient details, bank details, customer databases, credit card details and other confidential information has been retrieved in this way and either distributed or used for criminal purposes.

If your company does not lock down removable drive access, and insist on data being stored on an encrypted devices they are running a huge security risk.


Can SafeStick block Viruses, Worms, Malware and specifically the Conficker Worm?
Yes.

What is EasyShare and how do I deploy it?
EasyShare is a feature on newer hardware models of SafeStick and SafeStick Supersonic, which allow you to share individual files - up to 16Mb - with somebody by providing a 4 digit pin code.

This means that you can share individual files, without giving the person full access / your full password.

You must activate, manage and deploy EasyShare for select users via SafeConsole. 


Is SafeStick Government approved / what certification does it has?
SafeStick currently has FIPS 197 AES128 certification for the encryption technology. See #825 on the FIPS website.   It is also currently undergoing full FIPS 140-2 approval.   While it proves categorically that SafeStick is as secure as it claims to be, FIPS standards however are actually less rigorous than a standard SafeStick already is.   

Which Chip is used for the encryption?
An Intel 8051 Processor handles all the security processes.

How does safeStick compare to cheaper encrypted sticks?
Many other encrypted memory sticks - for example some cheaper models available from Hypertec, Integral, Sandisk, Lexar and others, rely on software encryption (plus other insecure features) which is simply NOT secure.  Read our whitepaper on the 7 Major Weaknesses of software only USB security. 

Also several other "high profile" units have also been cracked.  for example the McAfee MXI stick has been cracked, as has the Secustick.

January 2010.  Many other vendors "secure" drives have been hacked - included Sandisk's "most secure" FIPS offerings! Read more.


How Tough is SafeStick?
Because of its tiny size, SafeStick may appear to be fragile, however this is certainly NOT the case.

Softek's own testing has produced some interesting results.  SafeStick has proven to withstand:

  • Repeated rolling over by a 2500lb V8 Range Rover.
  • A full washing machine cycle at 90%
  • 30 seconds of acetylene blow torch
  • Repeated hits with a 2lb lump hammer
  • 30 seconds of red-hot angle grinder sparks
  • A whack with a 10lb sledge hammer!

Videos are available from this website or Youtube.


Is there a timeout / lock feature?
Yes, this is unique to SafeStick.  Using the system tray icon you can lock access to the device instantly, or you can set a timeout period - just in case you forget and leave it inserted into a PC. 

You can also configure this policy via SafeConsole.


How does SafeConsole run and what are the System Requirements etc?
We have a full range of Technical Knowledgebase articles available here.

What is SafeStick FlashID (Two Factor Authentication) and how does it help?
With the integration with Deepnet FlashID (and from March 2010 CryptoCard) authentication technology, an encrypted SafeStick becomes so much more than a "simple" encryption device.

With a FlashID factory installed on a SafeStick (users cant change or delete it!) SafeStick becomes a full authentication token which can be used to authenticate users against Windows Logon, Outlook Web Access, VPN, Websites, Citrix and more.

By providing your users with a SafeStick FlashID token, you can require users to enter their username, password, PLUS a one-time password which can only be generated by their own FlashID token.

You can also secure Windows logon by requiring a user has their SafeStick inserted, and the correct password entered before they can logon to Windows / your network!

A Deepnet Authentication Server installation (which manages the back-end tokens, secured applications and users) is required before you can deploy and use SafeStick FlashID. Deepnet authentication is quick, easy to setup and very cost effective to deploy.  Information on Deepnet FlashID can be found here.

SafeConsole is required to deploy and manage FlashID.

Otherwise please watch the SafeStick FlashID demo.


What happens if the user loses a stick or forgets their Password?
If the stick is lost then the data is irretrievable - UNLESS the SafeConsole Backup feature was in use.

If the password is forgotten then there are two options. 

  • The stick can be reset, which permanently wipes all the data
  • Using the optional Enterprise Management Software (SafeConsole) a company IT Department can use challenge / response to remotely reset the password as required and as pocily dictates.

Please note that you cannot retrospectively recover lost user passwords with SafeConsole.  Therefore it is critical to decide if you wish to be able to recover lost user passwords.  If it is, then you must deploy SafeConsole.


data theft of unencrypted data What Sizes / Capacity are available?
encryption Currently 1GB to 64GB.  128GB is available on request.

jump drive What makes SafeStick different from other Encrypted sticks?
safe stick SafeStick is unique in its feature set.  We believe it is the safest, most feature rich, most secure stick available.  Just a few of the important features to look out for include;
  • Small size
  • Custom passwords of any complexity.
  • Minimum password length / requires strong passwords.
  • Zero footprint on the PC / Mac
  • Secure PKI password recovery
  • Ultra fast, non-bypassable hardware encryption
  • Use as an Authentication token (Deepnet FlashID)
  • Brute force attack protection
  • Tampersafe electronics
  • Timer / Userlock
  • Central management / auditing / deployment with many killer features - backup, publisher etc.
  • Built in Malware / virus protection
  • Auto-Lockdown and / or reminder if left in computer for a set period
  • No Admin rights required
  • Custom "Return to Owner" messages in software.
  • Works with all Endpoint Security solutions such as DeviceLock and Vigilance Pro to prevent data leakage
  • ...and many many more!

Which USB ports is it compatible with?
SafeStick works on all USB ports up to and including the latest high speed v2. USB 3.0 version coming soon!

What Software needs to be installed on the PC ?
Nothing at all.  Plug the stick in and all necessary code runs from the stick.

Does SafeStick support Windows Vista / XP / Windows 2000 / 2003 / 2008 / 7 (inc 64 bit)?

Yes.  Read the datasheet for a list of all supported operating systems.


Does SafeStick support Mac OSX ?
Yes. Native support for MacOSX is available.  See the KB

Does SafeStick support Unix or other Operating System?
Support for some Unix OS are available if running inside VMware.  Read the datasheet for a list of all currently supported native operating systems.

* Native support for various Linux implementations is also under development.  Ask us if you have specific needs.


How do I trial a SafeStick or SafeConsole?
Corporate customers may Request a trial Safestick from this website, or Download a SafeConsole Trial.  SafeSticks are also available via our network of Resellers.  Contact us for details.

How is SafeStick priced?
Pricing is per unit with price breaks for larger quantities. Contact us for more details on your actual requirements.

My question isn't listed - how do I find out more information?
You can find answers to more technical questions on our eSupport self help / KB system.  Also you can give us a call on +44(0)8456 443 911 or use our Enquiry Form.