In a world where 79% of businesses rely on external storage devices such as USB drives and external hard drives, securing sensitive data has become a critical challenge. How do you choose the best encryption solution for your organisation?
Why Encrypt Your External Storage Devices?
Data theft now represents one of the primary threats facing businesses today. When your employees transport confidential information on unprotected removable devices, you expose your organisation to considerable risks:
- Loss or theft of hardware
- Unauthorised access to sensitive data
- GDPR violations and financial penalties
- Damage to your company’s reputation
The solution? Systematically encrypt all your external storage devices.
Software Encryption: An Economical but Limited Solution
Benefits of Software Encryption
Software-based encryption remains the most financially accessible option. Solutions such as VeraCrypt or BitLocker enable you to:
- Secure your backups cost-effectively
- Use any standard storage device
- Quickly implement basic protection
Key Limitations to Consider
However, this approach presents significant drawbacks:
Sharing complexity: To transfer encrypted data between colleagues, all users must have the same software and share encryption keys, creating a security vulnerability.
Challenging key management: Encryption keys must be stored in a secure environment and backed up to prevent permanent data loss.
System dependency: Compatibility varies depending on the operating systems in use.
Hardware Encryption: Enhanced Security and Ease of Use
Advantages of Hardware Encryption
Hardware encryption integrates security directly into the device, offering several decisive benefits:
- Transparent access: Data can be accessed just like on a standard device
- Universal compatibility: Works independently of the operating system
- Advanced protection: Resistance to brute force attacks and reinforced casing
The Single-User Limitation
Most market solutions (such as iStorage) use a unique PIN code or password, making them unsuitable for collaborative work.
The Kobra VS Solution: Multi-User Hardware Encryption
Kobra VS USB drives and hard drives revolutionise the traditional approach by combining:
- PIN code authentication
- PKI smart card
This dual authentication finally enables secure sharing between multiple users, opening up new collaborative possibilities.
Comparison Table: Which Solution Should You Choose?
| Solution | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Encryption | Can be used on any device Cheapest solution | Complex key management No multi-user capability OS dependent | Individual backup |
| Hardware Encryption (PIN/Password) | Transparent access OS independent | Single-user only | Individual backup and transport |
| Hardware Encryption (PIN + Card) | Transparent access OS independent Multi-user management | Backup, transport and team sharing |
Our Recommendation
For optimal protection of your business data, prioritise:
- Software encryption for individual backups with limited budget
- Standard hardware encryption for secure single-user transport
- Kobra VS solutions for all collaborative uses requiring maximum flexibility and security
Securing your external devices is no longer optional but a legal and strategic obligation. Choose the solution adapted to your needs to effectively protect your information assets.