Kingston reveals its toughest encrypted USB Drive yet — and it can even help you try and avoid typos

This tiny Kingston USB packs government-grade encryption

· TechRadar

News By Efosa Udinmwen published 20 March 2026

(Image credit: TechPowerUp)

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter

Get the TechRadar Newsletter

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter


  • IronKey Locker+ 50 G2 secures data with AES 256-bit hardware encryption
  • FIPS 197 certification ensures compliance with government and enterprise standards
  • Digitally signed firmware reduces exposure to BadUSB attacks

Kingston has introduced the IronKey Locker+ 50 G2 as a hardware-encrypted USB secure drive built around XTS-AES 256-bit encryption.

This device carries FIPS 197 certification and aligns with compliance requirements often associated with government procurement standards.

The company claims digitally signed firmware is used to reduce exposure to BadUSB-related threats.

Article continues below

Layered protections extend beyond firmware safeguards

The c supports safeguards against brute force password attempts that aim to block repeated unauthorized login efforts.

These are enterprise-grade features, but their effect will be on implementation quality rather than certification labels alone.

"With the LP50G2, the Kingston IronKey lineup is all XTS-AES 256-bit hardware-encrypted with a baseline FIPS 197 certification by a NIST authorized lab," said Martin Komal, encrypted product manager, Kingston.

"In addition, IronKey leads the industry with three best-in-class FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validated drives. This portfolio offers superior data protection solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of consumer, enterprise, and government customers."

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors