Kingston IronKey D500S: The World’s First FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Validated Drive with a Trusted Supply Chain
Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc.—a global leader in memory products and technology solutions—has announced that its award-winning Kingston IronKey™ D500S hardware-encrypted USB flash drive has achieved NIST FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation (Certificate #5029). Designed and assembled by Kingston in California, the D500S is not only the world’s first FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validated drive but also the only one with a TAA-compliant and trusted supply chain, setting a new benchmark for secure data storage.
A Vision for Unmatched Security
When the IronKey D500S was conceptualized in 2020, Kingston aimed to create a best-in-class hardware-encrypted drive featuring XTS-AES 256-bit encryption and compliance with the latest NIST FIPS 140-3 Level 3 security standard. However, Kingston went beyond merely meeting regulatory requirements by ensuring the drive adheres to stringent TAA (Trade Agreements Act) and CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance standards. Unlike basic TAA compliance, which only verifies the declared Country of Origin (COO), the D500S ensures that all critical components and manufacturing processes align with TAA and CMMC requirements.
This meticulous approach guarantees that every aspect of the drive—from component sourcing to final assembly—is conducted within a trusted supply chain. All critical components are sourced directly by Kingston from TAA-compliant suppliers and stored in the company’s secure Manufacturing Center in California, USA. This ensures that production is carried out under tightly controlled, engineering-supervised conditions, providing unparalleled assurance for customers who demand the highest levels of data protection.
Critical Components and Advanced Security Features
The D500S incorporates several key components that contribute to its robust security architecture:
- A Secure Microprocessor responsible for managing all encryption and authentication processes.
- Digitally-signed firmware for the Secure Microprocessor to prevent unauthorized modifications.
- A drive software launcher that supports multi-password authentication and customizable feature settings.
- NAND Flash storage chips for reliable data storage.
- Assembly of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with all critical components securely integrated.
- Provisioning of firmware and software during manufacturing.
- Encasing the PCB assembly in a rugged casing with epoxy injection to meet FIPS 140-3 Level 3 anti-tampering protection requirements.
Additionally, the D500S includes matching internal and external serial numbers for asset tracking and endpoint management, further enhancing its utility in enterprise environments.
Unrivaled Security for Government and Military Use
“We went above and beyond competitors in the USB data protection industry to ensure that the IronKey D500S is an unrivaled, best-in-class FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certified drive,” said Richard Kanadjian, Global Business Manager at Kingston. “With a trusted supply chain supporting CMMC and TAA compliance, along with design and manufacturing at Kingston’s USA headquarters, the D500S stands out as the most security-focused USB drive on the market—delivering unmatched assurance for customers who require the highest level of trusted data protection.”
The D500S is ideal for organizations operating in highly regulated industries, including government, military, and defense sectors, where securing sensitive data-at-rest is paramount. Its compliance with global standards ensures it meets the rigorous requirements of these demanding environments.
Industry-First Dual-Partition Option
One of the standout features of the D500S is its industry-first dual-partition option on a hardware-encrypted USB drive. This allows administrators to create two custom-sized secure partitions—one for Admin and one for User—enabling the creation of a Hidden File Store. This feature allows admins to securely provision files to the User partition as needed while keeping the Hidden File Store invisible unless accessed through proper authentication.
This functionality is particularly valuable when using untrusted systems or sharing the drive, as it ensures sensitive data remains secure and inaccessible without proper credentials.
Advanced Administrative Controls
The D500S also offers advanced administrative capabilities, such as the ability to set a Global Read-Only mode until manually reset. Additionally, an Admin can enter a Crypto-Erase password, which destroys the data and resets the drive to prevent unauthorized access in compromising situations. These features provide administrators with granular control over the device, ensuring maximum flexibility and security.
Rugged Design for Durability
Beyond its cutting-edge security features, the D500S boasts a rugged zinc casing designed to withstand harsh conditions. It meets military-grade shock, vibration, and drop test specifications and carries an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, making it suitable for use in challenging environments. With capacities ranging up to 512GB, the drive is versatile enough to meet the needs of various organizations.
Customizable Solutions Backed by Reliability
The D500S offers fully customizable features and functionality to align with specific organizational requirements. Whether securing classified information, managing sensitive assets, or ensuring compliance with strict regulatory frameworks, the D500S delivers peace of mind. Backed by a 5-year warranty and free technical support, Kingston ensures that customers receive reliable assistance whenever needed.
About Kingston Digital, Inc.
From big data to IoT devices, including laptops, PCs, and wearable technology, Kingston Technology is dedicated to delivering top-tier product solutions, service, and support. Trusted by leading PC manufacturers and global cloud providers, we value our long-term partnerships that help us evolve and innovate. We ensure every solution meets the highest standards by prioritizing quality and customer care. At every step, we listen, learn, and engage with our customers and partners to deliver solutions that make a lasting impact. To learn more about Kingston Technology and our “Built on Commitment” vision, visit kingston.com.
