Security Questions

Can I recover a lost password?

NO, this would violate the most important principal in password based data security.

If you lose or forget your password the drive will be rendered useless, there is no way to reset or overide a password, this information is part of the encryption technology and protects the data from unauthorised access.

An administrator password tool is available from the downloads section. This tool can only be used by someone who has the original password and it can be used to set an aditional PIN number to the device, this can be particualy useful to orginisations who wish to deploy devices to staff but still require administrative access.

Is my data encrypted?

The Data Locker Pro AES is secured with our patented drive locking mechanism and then the drive is fully encrypted with a 128 bit AES / CBC mode cryptographic chipset.

The Data Locker Enterprise is secured with our patented drive locking mechanism and then the drive is fully encrypted with a 256 bit AES / CBC mode cryptographic chipset.

The Data Locker Personal Edition is not fully encrypted, but it is secured by the Data Locker patented drive locking mechanism and a proprietary file cloaking scheme.

What is the "Change Encryption Key" function for?

The "Change Encryption Key" function is used to generate a new AES encryption key. This is useful for redeploying a Data Locker to a new user. For example if a company needs to reissue a used Data Locker to a new employee, changing the encryption key will make all previously stored data unreadable.

Changing the encryption key is irreversible, and makes 100% of your data unreadable. Use with caution!

What is the "Self Destruct " Mode?

The "Self Destruct" feature (available on the Pro AES and Enterprise editions) is a defense against brute force password hack attempts. When activated, after nine unsuccessful password entries the encryption key is deleted rendering all of the data on the drive inaccessible. Once the encryption key is deleted your data can not be recovered. Powering off the unit does NOT reset the unsuccessful password attempts counter.

Use this feature with caution.

This feature can be disabled in the "Setup" menu which is available immediately after entering your initial password.

What is the difference between ECB Mod versus CBC Mode AES encryption?

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), is a block cipher adopted as an encryption standard by the U.S. government for military and government use.

ECB (Electronic Codebook) is essentially the first generation of the AES. It is the most basic form of block cipher encryption.

CBC (Cipher Blocker Chaining) is an advanced form of block cipher encryption. With CBC Mode encryption, each ciphertext block is dependent on all plaintext blocks processed up to that point. This adds an extra level of complexity to the encrypted data.

The practical difference is best illustrated with this graphic:

Unencrypted Data	ECB MODE Encrypted Data	CBC Mode Encrypted Data

Images Courtesy Wikipedia.com
References : Wikipedia - "Block cipher modes of operation"

How does the unattended AutoLock feature work?

The Unattended AutoLock function is not on a timer, it is something the user initiates when they leave their desk.

The unattended autolock feature can not be deactivated. Once a user begins copying files to the Data Locker, simply press the Disconnect button.Once the transfer has completed the Data Locker will disconnect, but it won't disconnect until the file transfer process has finished.

Technical Questions

Can I use Data Locker with a MAC and Windows system without changing the drive format?

Data Locker come pre-formatted in NTFS (NT file system). This file system is primarily a Windows based file system which we use to test each unit before shipping. Most users will find this convenient due to the large number of Windows based users however MAC users will be unable to save data to the device. The easiest way to use the Data Locker with both a Mac and Windows based system is to install Macfuse and the Mac NTFS driver.

See below :

1. MacFuse read about it

Download here: click to download

2. NTFS 3g 'driver' read about it

Download here: click to download

After the Install go to 'System Preferences' to the MacFuse and NTFS-3G options.

If you prefer not to install this, you can reformat the Data Locker in the FAT32/DOS drive format. WARNING - Re-formatting a hard drive will erase all data held on it.

Please explain FAT32 and NTFS drive formatting?

The Data Locker comes preformatted in the NTFS format due to its superior performance, support and capabilities for large capacity hard disk drives.

Windows Users - If you require a drive which can be used on multiple operating systems, you may need to reformat the drive in the FAT32 format. Microsoft has eliminated support for FAT32 formatting for drives over 32GB so you must use a third party tool for formatting. We recommend Swiss Knife , an excellent free tool by CompuApps.

Apple MAC Users - Apple Mac OS users can read files from an NTFS formatted drive, however they can not write files to one. Mac OS users must reformat the drive with the FAT32 format in order to read and write to the drive. The native MAC HFS format is currently not supported however a Mac specific Data Locker is under development.

Linux UsersLinux users may use the Data Locker without reformatting if they they have an NTFS driver installed.

Here is an excellent tutorial explaining how to install the Linux NTFS driver - click here to read

If you can not use NTFS drives you must reformat the drive using the FAT32 format.

Linux native ext2 and ext3 drive formats are currently being tested.

A summary of the differences between NTFS and FAT click to view

What operating systems are compatible with the Data locker?

Windows 2000/XP/VISTA and MAC OS X+.

Linux is not officially supported due to the numerous variations, however the Data Locker is compatible with any Linux build which includes support for USB Mass Storage Devices.

The Data Locker is platform independent, meaning that authentication, set-up, and security are all controlled by the Data Locker itself. It will work with any computer that recognizes and supports USB mass storage devices. However due to the larger number of variations in OS's, we only provide technical support for Windows, Vista 32 and 64 bit, and Mac (Using FAT32 formatting)

Here is a list of operating systems the Data Locker has been tested on :

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business

Microsoft Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Centre Edition

Mac OS 10 + using FAT32 formatting. Apple HFS and UFS formatting is possible but has not been fully tested and is not supported)

Linux - Ubuntu and Red Hat using FAT32 formatting. Ext2 and Ext3 formatting is possible however it has not been fully tested and is not supported.

Why can't I save any data to the Data Locker using my MAC?

The Data Locker comes preformatted Windows NTFS.

Mac users have 2 choices.

1. Install the Mac OS NTFS driver. Here are the instructions



Instructions are above under the "Can I use Data Locker with a MAC and Windows system without changing the drive format?" article

2. Reformat the drive in the FAT32 format.



We highly recommend option 1 due to limitations with the FAT32 file system.

Why do I get this message: %u201CA hi-speed device was connected to a non hi-speed USB hub%u201D?

The Data Locker is a USB 2.0 device and your USB port is not USB 2.0. You can still use the drive however you will not have USB 2.0 speeds.

How do I disable the key stroke beep to make it silent?

To disable the key stroke beep, you must first enter your PIN number into the Data Locker and select the "SETUP" option. In the settings list tap the "OTHER" option, you can now change the "KEY CLICK BEEP" to the off position to disable. You can re-enable this at any time by following the same method, but by changing the setting to the on position.

Why does the Data Locker power up but not seem to work?

Make sure the correct prong on the USB cable is plugged in. Also, if you are plugging into a desktop, make sure you plug it into the USB port on the rear of the computer. Note: Not all USB ports or USB powered HUBs (although most will be) are powered sufficiently enough to run the Data Locker. If you find your Data Locker will not detect on your system when using one USB port, try plugging the additional (power over USB) connector in to provide the additional power the device requires.

When I do a firmware or password update I can't see my Data Locker?

Firstly check to ensure that the Data Locker is fully connected to your system, you should have already entered your password in order for your system to recognise it

Next check you can still get normal access to it, browse the drive to ensure you still have all your files and folders.

If you are using Windows Vista, make sure you are running as an admnistrator. You can do this by 'right clicking' on the firmware update and selecting 'Run as administrator'. If you do not have administrative access, contact your administrator.

If this does not resolve your issue please contact support