Kingston Technology has announced that its IronKey Keypad 200 (KP200) series of hardware-encrypted USB flash drives has officially received NIST FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation.
With this update, Kingston becomes the first hardware-encrypted USB supplier to offer three different drive models—the D500S, KP200, and KP200C—validated under the latest, more stringent security standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Enhanced Security Standards
The FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification represents a significant update over previous iterations, requiring more intensive testing and higher resistance to physical tampering. The KP200 series is designed to protect “data-at-rest,” making it a primary tool for organizations aiming to comply with global regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.
Key Technical Specifications
The KP200 and KP200C (USB-C version) are OS-independent, alphanumeric keypad-protected drives. This allows them to function across various platforms without the need for additional software.
- Compatibility: Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android.
- Physical Protection: Features an IP68 rating, making the drives dustproof and waterproof.
- Access Control: Supports dual PINs (Admin and User), allowing for recovery if a user password is forgotten.
- Security Modes: Includes Global and Session Read-Only modes to protect against malware on untrusted systems.
Industry Applications
Kingston noted that these drives are specifically targeted at sectors managing sensitive infrastructure, such as medical, scientific, and industrial environments. The certification aligns with the NIST Special Publication (SP) 1334, which encourages enhanced USB security for Operational Technology (OT) infrastructures.
The IronKey KP200 series is currently available in capacities up to 512 GB and includes a limited three-year warranty.
