Question 1

What is defferent hardware encrypted from software encrypted?

Accepted Answer

In the case of flash drives (as well as HDD and SSD), a special chip located on the printed circuit board of the device is used to implement hardware data encryption. It has a built-in random number generator that generates encryption keys. Data is automatically encrypted and instantly decrypted when a user password is entered. In this scenario, accessing data without a password is nearly impossible. When using software encryption, the data on the drive is “locked” by external software, which acts as a low-cost alternative to hardware encryption methods. The disadvantages of such software may be the trivial requirement of regular updates to offer resistance to ever-improving hacking techniques. In addition, the power of the computer process (and not a separate hardware chip) is used to decrypt data, and, in fact, the level of protection of the PC determines the level of protection of the drive.   The main feature of drives with hardware encryption is a separate cryptographic processor, the presence of which tells us that encryption keys never leave a USB drive, unlike software keys, which can be temporarily stored in the computer's RAM or hard drive. And since software encryption uses the PC's memory to store the number of login attempts, it cannot stop brute force attacks on the password or key. The counter of login attempts can be constantly reset by an intruder until the automatic password cracking program finds the desired combination. ​ As a result, the software approach does not provide the same high level of security as AES encryption. Rather, it is basic protection. On the other hand, software encryption of important data is still better than no encryption at all.

Question 2

Who guarantees the absence of "backdoors" from the manufacturer when using flash drives with hardware encryption?"

Accepted Answer

Almost all buyers are concerned about this question, because they want to make sure that our USB drives are free of common errors, such as weak encryption or the ability to bypass the password entry. Therefore, all products are tested by a third party with an independent review. Specifically, all hardware-encrypted iStorage USB drives are certified to the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS).

Question 3

How do iStorage drives AES 256-bit Hardware Encrypted?

Accepted Answer

iStorage uses AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption for all of its secure drives datashur and diskashur. As we noted above, flash drives contain in their component base a separate chip for encrypting and decrypting data, which acts as a constantly active random number generator. The first time you connect a device to the USB port, the Initialization Setup Wizard prompts you to set a master password to access the device. After activating the drive, the encryption algorithms will automatically start working according to user preferences.

Question 4

How do I use the diskAshur PRO2 for the first time?

Accepted Answer

· Your diskAshur PRO2 undergoes a rapid self-test to verify all security components are working properly each time you plug into a powered USB port. The LEDs will go through 3 test stages, blinking in sequence RED, GREEN and BLUE, followed by two GREEN blinks and then to RED (Standby State) on a successful test. Any test failure will force the diskAshur Pro2to securely reset itself and automatically resume the self-test without affecting the encryption key or any data stored on the drive. · Please follow the 2 simple steps below to unlock the diskAshur PRO2 for the first time with the default Admin PIN. · 1. Connect the diskAshur PRO2 to a USB port. The LED will light up solid RED awaiting PIN entry (Standby State). · 2. Enter the default Admin PIN, ‘11223344’ and press the ‘UNLOCK’ button once to unlock diskAshur PRO2. GREEN and BLUE LEDs will alternately blink several times and finally changing to a solid GREEN LED indicating the drive is unlocked and ready to use.

Question 5

My diskAshur PRO2 locks for no reason when connected to my computer whilst I am using it, what is causing this?"

Accepted Answer

The issue you are having is being caused by power saving settings on your computer so please see below and make the appropriate changes to your computer and this will stop the diskashur Pro from locking. Microsoft Windows Doing the following will prevent Windows from switching off the diskAshur Pro, go to `Control Panel` & `Power Options`, the easier option is to disable power saving which means stopping the computer from `Sleeping` see below;
In addition go into Advanced Settings in Power Option to disable the following:
•Ensure the computer is set to sleep: Never (as above)
•Turn off hard disk after: 999999 Minutes
•USB selective suspend setting: Disabled This will keep any iStorage hard drive connected to the computer continuously on. Note: For Windows 8.1 users You will need to install a Windows update (KB2919355) as well as follow the steps above. Please go to this link and choose Method 2: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2919355.
Once the download option appears select KB2919355 and then download and install. For more detailed information and required fix please go to our support page, under the tab Firmware Updates and download Win8.1 USB suspend issue folder. Apple Mac Drives keep locking after 5-10 minutes on the Macs.
This will be due the Mac’s power saving as there is a setting to switch off hard drives that are idle after a fix period of time see below. The settings in Energy Saver preferences affect what happens when your Mac is left unattended for a period of time that you specify. Disable Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possible to prevent the diskAshur PRO2 going to sleep and not locking. You will also need to stop the computer sleeping to prevent the diskAshur Pro from locking.

Question 6

Unlocking with either Admin OR User PIN

Accepted Answer

Unlock with Admin PIN To access the diskAshur PRO2 as Admin, first enter your Admin PIN and then press the ‘UNLOCK’ button. GREEN and BLUE LEDs will alternately blink several times and finally changing to a solid GREEN LED indicating the drive is unlocked and ready to use as Admin. Unlock with User PIN To access the ddiskAshur PRO2 as the User, first press the ‘UNLOCK’ button, then enter your User PIN and press the ‘UNLOCK’ button again. GREEN and BLUE LEDs will alternately blink several times and finally changing to a solid GREEN LED indicating the drive is unlocked and ready to use as the User.

Question 7

Can I initialise and format the diskAshur PRO2 with Windows user account?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a Windows limitation, you must use the Admin account to initialise and format the iStorage diskAshur PRO2.

Question 8

What is BadUSB and are iStorage devices susceptible to this exploit?

Accepted Answer

BadUSB is a theoretical exploit that was presented by SR Labs at the Black Hat conference in August of 2014. SR Labs demonstrated a vulnerability in one USB device that allowed malicious code to be programmed into the USB controller through a firmware update process.
The attack described is very sophisticated and in the case of iStorage products would require advanced knowledge of our USB controller, a leaked version of our firmware, the programming tool to update our controller, the password used for our programming tool, and an in depth understanding of the device’s functionality, etc.
According to SR Labs, the failsafe method to eliminate this threat is to simply disable the ability to update the controller’s firmware. Many of iStorage devices shipping today, including all of our USB 3.0 security products already have the firmware locked which prevents field updates to the USB controller.
As a continuous improvement, iStorage is locking down the firmware on all USB controllers used in iStorage devices to safeguard against this vulnerability. We recommend checking our website periodically for notices regarding BadUSB and Security Updates.

Question 9

What length does my new admin or User Pin need to be?

Accepted Answer

Any new Admin or User code that is setup has to be a minimum of 7 digits and be no more than 15 digits long (7-15 digits).

Question 10

I want to use my iStorage diskAshur PRO2 with different Operating Systems how can that be done?

Accepted Answer

To make the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 universally compatible with all the most common Operating Systems requires the drive to be formatted using the FAT file system. This is done by using `Disk Management` in Windows, `Disk Utility` on MAC OS/x or MKFS in Linux. in Windows and Disk Utility on MAC OS/x or MKFS in Linux.

Question 11

My iStorage diskAshur PRO2 locks when my computer sleeps/hibernates. How can I stop this?

Accepted Answer

The only way to prevent this is by changing the power settings (Windows computers) of the computer so that it only switches of the monitor on hibernation/sleep and keeps power to hard drives and USB. On Apple MAC computers going to the power settings in `System Preferences` and clicking the do not suspend USB will keep the drive alive even if the MAC goes into full hibernation

Question 12

I want to use my iStorage diskAshur PRO2 drive with different Operating Systems how can that be done?

Accepted Answer

To make the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 drives universally compatible with all the most common Operating Systems requires the drive to be formatted using the FAT file system. This is done by using `Disk Management` in Windows, `Disk Utility` on MAC OS/x or MKFS in Linux. in Windows and Disk Utility on MAC OS/x or MKFS in Linux.

Question 13

Why does my diskAshur keep disconnecting in windows 8.1 and windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Your PC has a small bug that is called the USB Selective Suspend.  This error first occurred with Windows 8 and rolled over with Windows 10 and server 2012 R2.  This bug stops the windows update service from fully installing the Vendor ID and Product ID for the iStorage product into the windows registry.  This is vital information for the registry to have and stops the devices from disconnecting after a set amount of time. We have contacted Microsoft about this matter and they have provided a fix for this issue.  It can be downloaded directly from this link HERE. Please unzip the contents of this file and extract to your desktop.  Please follow the instructions on page 2 of the PDF

Question 14

What encryption algorithm is used in this product?

Accepted Answer

The iStorage diskAshur Pro2uses AES XTS 256-bit algorithm.

Question 15

What can I do if I forget the Admin PIN?

Accepted Answer

There is no other way to retrieve the Admin PIN except a complete reset of the iStorage diskAshur PRO2. After a complete reset, all data will be lost and you will need to initialise, allocate and format the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 manually.

Question 16

Why did the OS not recognise the diskAshur PRO2 drive after I enter Admin or User PIN after a complete reset of the diskAshur PRO2?

Accepted Answer

You need to initialise, allocate and format the diskAshur Pro2drive manually. For more information, refer to “Initialising and formatting the diskAshur PRO2” in the product manual.

Question 17

I have entered the wrong PIN 10 times and now all three LEDS are lit up and solid.

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 18

How many unique User ID’s can I create?

Accepted Answer

The diskAshur Pro2can allows for ONE (1) User PIN and ONE (1) Admin PIN. If a User forgets their PIN, the diskAshur PRO2 can be unlocked using the Admin PIN.

Question 19

I’m not getting a RED light from iStorage diskAshur PRO2 when connected to my computer?

Accepted Answer

Your computer may not have enough power going through to the USB to power the iStorage diskAshur PRO2. Use the supplied USB Y-Power cable to ensure full power to the iStorage diskAshur PRO2.

Question 20

My iStorage diskAshur PRO2 locks when my computer sleeps/hibernates. How can I stop this?

Accepted Answer

The only way to prevent this is by changing the power settings (Windows computers) of the computer so that it only switches of the monitor on hibernation/sleep and keeps power to hard drives and USB. On Apple MAC computers going to the power settings in `System Preferences` and clicking the do not suspend USB will keep the drive alive even if the MAC goes into full hibernation

Question 21

How to create a User PIN?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the Admin PIN, the diskAshur PRO2 can also be configured to create an independent User PIN. To create a new User PIN follow the steps below. 1. In Standby State (solid RED LED), press and hold down both the ‘UNLOCK and number ’1’ buttons and release once the GREEN and BLUE LEDs start blinking together. 2. While the GREEN and BLUE LEDs are blinking, enter your Admin PIN and press the ‘UNLOCK’ button. LED’s will change to a solid BLUE LED indicating the diskAshur Pro2is in ‘Admin Mode’ and awaiting further commands. 3. With the drive in Admin Mode (solid BLUE LED), press and hold down both the ‘UNLOCK’ and number ’3’ buttons and release once LEDs change to a solid BLUE and blinking GREEN. 4. Enter your new 7-15 digit User PIN and press the ‘UNLOCK’ button. The LEDs will change to a rapid GREEN LED blink and back again to a solid BLUE and blinking GREEN LEDs. 5. Re-enter your new 7-15 digit User PIN and press the ‘UNLOCK’ button. GREEN LED rapidly blinks for a few seconds and finally changes to a solid BLUE LED indicating the User PIN has been successfully created.

Question 22

Do I require 'Admin Rights' for the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 to work?

Accepted Answer

No, since the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 does not require any software to be installed and the encryption/decryption is performed in Hardware on the drive itself, “Admin Rights” are not required.

Question 23

I’m not getting a RED light from iStorage diskAshur PRO2 when connected to my computer?

Accepted Answer

Your computer may not have enough power going through to the USB to power the iStorage diskAshur PRO2. Use the supplied USB Y-Power cable to ensure full power to the iStorage diskAshur PRO2.

Question 24

Why could I not initialise, partition or format the iStorage diskAshur PRO2?"

Accepted Answer

Ensure that you have administrator privileges for your computer. You can use only the administrator account to initialise partition or format the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 in the User Mode.

Question 25

Why could I not change my User PIN which has the same digits as the Admin PIN?

Accepted Answer

You can change it only in the Admin Mode. In the User Mode, the User PIN which has the same digits is created in the Admin Mode cannot be changed or deleted.

Question 26

How do I use the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 without a password?

Accepted Answer

As a full disk encryption product, the iStorage diskAshur PRO2 can never be used without a password.

Question 27

What can I do if I forget the User PIN?

Accepted Answer

Use your Admin PIN to enter Admin Mode, and then create another User PIN in Admin Mode.

Question 28

My Wireless Mouse is not working when my Istorage drive is connected.

Accepted Answer

It’s a widely known issue for USB 3.0 and wireless devices. Data passing through USB3 cables can create “radio” noise that conflicts with the radio receiver used commonly with wireless mice. This noise is usually in the high 2.4-2.5 GHz range. So if the wireless receiver is placed next to the USB3.0 drive, then the noise created by the USB 3.0 drive will limit the sensitivity of the wireless receiver. (Signal to Noise Ratio). This is a relatively easy problem to fix. And plugging the 2 devices into USB port not next to each other should resolved any problems you have. It’s worth noting that this issue is ONLY with USB 3.0 devices and wireless mice. Not ALL USB 3.0 devices emit this noise at the same ratio and some wireless mice can be more susceptible to the noise ratio generated by USB£ devices. All iStorage devices fall well within USB3 specifications for allowable noise. You can get more information from the link below: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/io/universal-serial-bus/usb3-frequency-interference-paper.html

Question 29

What does IP57 mean?

Accepted Answer

The IP Code (International Protection Marking) IEC standard 60529 classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against intrusion. Types of intrusion can be:
Body parts (hands and fingers)
Dust
Accidental contact
Water by mechanical casings & electrical enclosures There are three types of codes. Solid-particle protection, liquid ingress protection and mechanical impact protection (this has now been superseded by an IK rating) That datAshur drive has a IP rating of 57. This means that the number “5” represents the term “Dust Protected” (Meaning; Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment)
The number “7” represents the level of protection the datAshur provides against the harmful ingress of water. The datAshur is IPx8 rated (The datAshur is suitable for a continuous immersion in water up to 1M under defined conditions of pressure and time)

Question 30

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 31

BadUSB issue explained

Accepted Answer

There are 2 reasons why the iStorage products would not accept the PIN code: 1. The PIN is incorrect and it is not being accepted by the USB Flash and/or Hard drive;
2. The PIN is being entered too quickly. The later one is a common problem. As the user grown more comfortable with our products, they enter the PIN at a fast pace. iStorage suggest entering the PIN slower to allow the products to register each key press.

Question 32

Windows to GO

Accepted Answer

The datAshur SSD drive is a compatible drive to work with Windows to GO (although not certified by Microsoft). It will work perfectly. In order to use Windows to Go you will need a fully licenced version of Windows 8.1 Enterprise or Windows 10 Enterprise.

Question 33

The Flash USB Drive / Portable HDD is not accepting my PIN code

Accepted Answer

There are 2 reasons why the iStorage products would not accept the PIN code: 1. The PIN is incorrect and it is not being accepted by the USB Flash and/or Hard drive;
2. The PIN is being entered too quickly. The later one is a common problem. As the user grown more comfortable with our products, they enter the PIN at a fast pace. iStorage suggest entering the PIN slower to allow the products to register each key press.

Question 34

What do I do if I forget my PIN?

Accepted Answer

Should you forget your PIN for any of our drives. Please contact your IT administrator or service desk if you were issued the device in a company environment.They may be able to assist with admin PINS if created. If this is a personal device, it may have to be reset. iStorage DO NOT have any backdoor pins to help retrieve lost data.

FAQ

Dataway Security

Support

Explore

Follow Us