Review: iStorage diskAshur DT secure drive

Protecting client data continues to cause headaches for accountants. Henry Osadzinski takes iStorage's disk-based solution for a test drive.

Cloud back-up services have made it easier to store and protect sensitive information off site, but there are still cases where an on-site backup is necessary. This is the niche that iStorage has aimed to fill with the latest addition to its diskAshure range – the robus DT.

Capable of holding up to 3 terabytes (TB) of data, the DT is somewhat hefty compared to its lower-capacity counterparts, but with its size comes added security. The device is protected by a 6-12 digit PIN code and will not register on any machine it’s attached to until unlocked. Once open, it’s capable of counting down to a set time limit to prevent attacks.

If a threat is detected, the DT is also able to fight back. Too many incorrect code entries and the disk wipes itself. Should would-be thieves try brute force to get around the security software, they’re likely to come out empty-handed as the sturdy metal casing includes tamper-resistant measures render the drive useless before anyone can get to it. We weren’t keen to test this for ourselves but just getting into the casing looks to be challenging enough, regardless of the Mission Impossible style self-destruct!

Using robus DT is easier than pulling out a machine’s own hard drive, but the drive capacity and strongbox build makes for a heavy device, especially when combined with the power brick that’s required to bring everything to life. But it’s convenient enough for transporting large amounts of data, packed into a bag, and even if it’s lost or stolen, your files are protected by military-grade hardware and software.

With USB 3.0 compatibility and the 3TB capacity, the diskAshur DT is an ideal companion for security-conscious business users looking for a local solution to their data storage needs.