Kingston USB Devices Available From Autonomic Resources

Based on the U.S. Strategic Command’s (STRATCOM’s) recent modification of its ban on portable storage devices, Autonomic Resources announced availability for federal customers of Kingston Digital Inc.’s DataTraveler 5000 USB Flash drive, utilizing Secured by SPYRUS technology.

STRATCOM’s latest policy enables U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), federal civilian, state, local and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agencies to use pre-approved portable storage devices in government-procured and -owned computers, including Secured by SPYRUS products and Kingston’s DataTraveler 5000.   
 
The DoD banned portable storage devices in November of 2008 after discovering a virus that was replicating itself from one removable drive to another on military networks. Hardware encrypted secure storage vendors such as SPYRUS and Kingston worked closely with the Joint Task Force – Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) to define and implement security measures that prevent malware from infecting removable storage devices and migrating to networks.

The DataTraveler 5000 is FIPS 140-2 certified and uses hardware-based 256-bit XTS-AES encryption, making it stronger and more secure than CBC, a more commonly-used encryption method that is found in competing products.The DataTraveler 5000 also uses Suite B cryptography, including ECC (elliptical curve cryptography).  Suite B algorithms were specifically approved by the DoD for the handling of both classified and unclassified data and materials.

“Kingston is pleased to work with Autonomic Resources to bring our most secure USB Flash drive to customers in the federal government now that the DataTraveler 5000 is on the DAR list,” said John Terpening, business manager, secure USB products, Kingston.  “Autonomic Resources is highly respected within government circles and Kingston has a long-standing reputation for quality and customer service.  To have our two companies work together is a win-win for everyone.”

“Kingston Secured by SPYRUS devices are built on proven encryption technology that meets or exceeds the DoD’s requirements for system device security,” said John Keese, president of Autonomic Resources. “The combination of Kingston’s leadership in memory and SPYRUS’ encryption superiority is what federal agencies have been waiting for. It’s a home run for secure USB Flash technology. Additionally, the availability of these products allows us to incorporate them into our federal Cloud technology offerings. The addition of the Secured by SPYRUS drives now enables Autonomic to offer true three-factor authentication into our ARC-P Cloud offerings – moving secure Cloud to the levels needed for widespread adoption in the federal space.”
 
Kingston can create custom enclosures based on customer desires, allowing for identifiable approved USB drives or completely non-descript enclosures. Kingston delayed their entry into the DAR approved USB market assuring they addressed the shortcomings that existed with existing USB drives.
 
Secured by SPYRUS products and the Kingston DataTraveler 5000 are available through Autonomic Resources under the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) / General Services Administration (GSA) SmartBUY blanket purchase agreement.