Thread: Transcend JetFlash 220

This was the only drive which came with almost all the security features that can be packed into a portable drive. It includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password and fingerprint authentication. It also had an option of creating secure partitions which can be used to demarcate private and public partitions. It even lets you encrypt a particular file/folder if ever the need arises.

With such a multitude of security features packed into this tiny device, we spend a little bit of time for checking all the features. To our surprise, we found that the fingerprint authentication really worked well. It was easy enough to set it up with the System Setup Wizard guiding you through the setup process. It also had an option for enabling password authentication (entered from the keyboard) following which both or only the fingerprint authentication can be enabled. However, there is no option for only enabling password protection (which can be helpful for someone who doesn't want the hassle of sliding a finger across the drive sensor strip).



We found that unlike the Kingston products, it didn't force the user to enter strong password combination. But since fingerprint protection is available, it would be hard for anyone to break into this unassuming little drive. Other helpful features include options for protecting individual files/folders and also repartitioning the drive for creating private and public partition area for that extra layer of security.

This drive also comes with some useful applications which is not exactly meant for protecting data in the drive. But these applications can be useful if you want to browse the Net securely and efficiently. The Website Auto-Login tool for Internet Explorerhelps you in automatically login to websites where you have already registered which can be a boon with all the phising scam going on. There is another tool which lets you export your IE favorites into the drive and access it anywhere you go,

We found that the fingerprint protection system was secure and efficient. We tried out different combinations of fingerprint authentication and every time this drive was spot-on in recognizing the exact fingerprint, without which it was impossible to break into the drive.

So in terms of providing a myriad of security options, this drive is an absolute must-have with the fingerprint protection system and other useful add-ons. But the only caveat we found was that in the speed and performance test it was the slowest among all the drives. In spite of this drawback, it was impressive enough to come as the winner with its effective set of security feature provided.