SSD drive Apricorn 256GB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Black A25-3PL256-S256F

The Apricorn Aegis Padlock Fortress is a 256GB external SSD with an integrated USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable and hardware AES-XTS 256-bit encryption. Validated to NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 2, this black, compact drive offers up to 180 MB/s transfer speeds and a rugged, silent solid‑state design that resists shock, vibration, humidity and extreme temperatures. Access is controlled via an onboard keypad and PINs, with no software or admin rights required for setup or operation.

Advantages

The drive provides real‑time hardware encryption (AES-XTS 256-bit) validated to FIPS 140-2 Level 2 and protects data, encryption keys and PINs while at rest. Its software‑free, OS‑agnostic design allows immediate use on any system without administrative installation. Solid‑state construction delivers higher reliability, resistance to shock and vibration, silent operation and operation across a wide temperature and humidity range. Security features include a wear‑resistant keypad, variable timing circuit (VTC) protection, epoxy‑sealed crypto components, independent Admin and User PINs, auto‑lock, drive reset and brute‑force self‑destruct of the encryption key after configurable failed PIN attempts.

Suitable for

• Secure transport of sensitive business or personal data
• Government and regulated environments requiring FIPS 140-2 validation
• Field work in harsh environments (extreme temperatures, high humidity, vibration)
• Corporate deployments where software installation or admin rights are restricted

Key specifications

• Model: Apricorn Aegis Padlock Fortress (A25-3PL256-S256F)
• Capacity: 256 GB SSD
• Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1)
• Max transfer speed: up to 180 MB/s
• Encryption: Hardware AES-XTS 256-bit, FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated
• Access: Onboard keypad with User and Admin PINs, forced enrollment
• Physical protection: Epoxy‑sealed crypto components, wear‑resistant keypad; shock 1500G/0.5ms, vibration 20G/20–2000Hz
• Operating range: rated for extreme temperatures and up to 95% humidity (see manufacturer guidelines)
• Color: Black

How to use

Connect the integrated USB cable to a host device. On first use, follow the keypad prompts to create a unique Admin PIN and a User PIN (forced enrollment). Enter the User PIN on the onboard keypad to unlock and access the drive; no software or admin rights are required. The Administrator can enroll up to five unique User IDs and can unlock or reset the drive if a User PIN is forgotten. Use the drive as a normal external SSD for file storage and transfers while it is unlocked.

Recommendations

Set a strong, unique PIN at first use and record the Admin PIN securely. Configure auto‑lock timeout to protect unattended sessions, use the Admin PIN to manage enrolled users, and perform drive resets only when you intend to erase all data and generate a new encryption key.