Datasheet

DataTraveler Elite White Paper
In addition, utilizing hardware encryption on the DT Elite itself does not expose the AES “key” to host
computers or networks, further increasing security. In the DT Elite, the encrypted user password and
the key are never shared outside of the DT Elite. With software-based encryption approaches, the key
or keys are exposed to the host computer and network.
As can be seen in the Benchmarking section, there is no performance penalty when storing files on the
public and privacy zones in a DT Elite (see section 3.2.3).
DT Elite
with built-in,
hardware-based
encryption/decryption
Other USB Drives
with Software-based Encryption
Invalid Password Retry limit Yes Rare
Advanced hashing (encoding) of user
password to
secure it
Yes Varies
Dedicated AES co-processor on USB drive Yes No
Data encrypted/decrypted on host computer No Yes
AES key exposed to host computer or
network
No Yes
Performance penalty No Yes (40-50% slower)
Benefits of DT Elite’s Hardware-Based Encryption vs. Software Approaches
1.4 Additional Certifications
The Kingston DT Elite has the following certifications:
- Hi-Speed USB 2.0
- WHQL for Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows ME
The DT Elite also meets the provisions of the Cryptography Note (Note 3) in Category 5, Part 2, of the
Commerce Control List (United States Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security –
Encryption regulatory).
2.0 DataTraveler Elite Performance
Kingston’s DT Elite is engineered with a state-of-the-art, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 controller that delivers
outstanding performance. Even when AES-128 encryption/decryption security is used, the DT Elite’s
performance is not reduced due to its built-in AES-128 co-processor. DT Elite makes no performance
compromises while delivering an advanced level of security.
Rev. 0.98 Page 6