Maxell Guardian USB Backup Drive (8GB, $70)

Maxell Corporation of America introduces its Guardian USB Backup Drive, a USB flash drive with 256-bit AES hardware encryption for file security during storage and transport.

The 256-bit AES hardware encryption and anodized aluminum housing protect the device even if it is lost or stolen, exceeding the government’s standard level of data protection.

The Guardian USB is durable, including protection from water, sand, dropping the device and even crushing forces, making it for government applications, as well as for any professional who needs to store sensitive footage.

The Guardian is a fast, high-performance backup solution, for transferring important files for the professional photographer or videographer. The mandatory 256-bit AES encryption provides a solution when shooting sensitive material, including government or corporate footage that could be detrimental if lost or stolen. Easily portable, the Guardian fits in a pants pocket or briefcase.

The Guardian’s interface requires a user to enter a complex password consisting of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols upon first use. Once the drive is locked, users have eight attempts to unlock the drive before the saved data is completely and securely erased. The drive also allows a user to include contact information in case it is lost.

Maintaining the form factor and affordability of slim USB stick drives, Maxell’s new Guardian USB Backup Drive expands the company’s offering in storage media. The Guardian USB has a read speed of up to 20MB/sec, due to its dual-channel NAND flash memory. The Maxell guardian is backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Guardian USB is currently available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB storage capacities at list prices of $49.99, $54.99 and $69.99, respectively.