Corsair 8GB Padlock 2 USB Flash Drive Review

Corsair Padlock 2 – Introduction

With identity theft and privacy concerns on the rise, more companies and
individual users are looking towards data encryption to help protect
their sensitive data. Way back in August of 2007, Legit Reviews had our first look at Corsairs answer to portable data security with their Flash Padlock USB thumb drive and now we are getting a crack at its successor, the Flash Padlock 2. The unique thing about these drives is that they are unlocked on the drives themselves instead of using password entry software that limits computing platforms and leaves it vulnerable to numerous software hacks. All this for a mere $55!

We liked the original Padlock drive and found the security measures to be more
than adequate when we pulled it apart to test its mettle to find it
passed despite our destructive efforts. The only critique we had about the first iteration was its size and aesthetic design which was very much function over form. Nearly three years later, Corsair has updated more than just its appearance as you’ll see as well as upping the capacity to 8GB. As you can see, the form factor is much improved and borrows from the design of their Flash Voyager series.

Opening the box reveals the contents containing the Flash Padlock 2 drive, a multilingual instruction booklet, USB dongle, and a Corsair branded lanyard. Pretty standard package of contents. Let’s peruse the features and specifications before getting to the meat of the review.

The touted features from Corsair are as follows:

• Full Encryption All 100% of the files on the UFD are protected with hardware 256-bit AES encryption when a PIN is set.
• Customized PIN User settable 4 to10 digit Personal Identification Number for personal security
• Easy-to-Use No software to install. Simply plug-n-play
• Master Control User set Master PIN control to recover use of UFD after forgotten User PIN
• Built-in Hacking Detection Device locks for two minutes after five unsuccessful unlock attempts to
  prevent unauthorized access
• Durable Rubberized, shock-proof housing
• Comfort Backed by Corsairs leading 10 year warranty and industry leading support organization
• Storage 8GB of integrated FLASH storage

With 8GB of storage, you can carry enormous amounts of data safely in your pocket. This equates to:

• 2,480 six-megapixel digital pictures
• 2,000 MP3 songs
• 38 hours of MPEG-4 videos

Drive specifications:

Capacity:	8GB
Operating Temperature:	0C to 40C
Storage Temperature:	-20C to +60C
Operating Humidity:	10% to 90%
Storage Humidity:	5% to 90%
Max Operating Altitude:	3,048 m (10,000 feet)
O/S Support:	Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Mac OS X v9.x and above, Linux Kernel 2.4.2 and higher
Emission Certifications:	FCC, CE, VCCI

At this point, I’m thinking there’s no way I’m going to be able to pull this guy apart without causing catastrophic damage. Further reinforcing that idea, I recall that after the original review, we talked to the Corsair engineers about our
attempt at pulling apart the first generation drive to circumvent the
security measures. They told us that they changed manufacturing to cover the components
in epoxy to further prevent someone from pulling apart the drive and hack it via hardware alteration. I think I’ll leave this one intact.