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Rectangular zinc USB flash drive with metal cap

Kingston Technology Corp.

Kingston Technology Corp. IKD500S256GB 256GB USB 3.2 flash drive

SKU CH-FP11-TTQ2S MPN IKD500S256GB

Hardware-encrypted 256 GB USB 3.2 flash drive with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 pending certification and rugged zinc casing

  • Military-grade FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending) security safeguards classified data
  • Hardware-based XTS-AES 256-bit encryption protects data without host traces
  • Rugged zinc casing is waterproof, dustproof and crush-resistant for durability
  • Epoxy-filled design defends internal components against penetration attacks
  • Meets DLP best practices for GDPR, HIPAA, SOX and CCPA compliance

Military-Grade Encrypted Storage

The Kingston IronKey D500S is a 256GB USB 3.2 flash drive built around FIPS 140-3 Level 3 pending certification. Hardware-based XTS-AES 256-bit encryption handles all cryptographic operations inside the device, leaving no trace on the host system. A rugged zinc casing provides waterproof, dustproof and crush-resistant protection, while epoxy filling defends internal components against physical penetration attempts. The drive self-tests at boot and when it detects over-temperature or voltage anomalies.

Upgrading from Software-Only Protection

This drive replaces unencrypted flash media or drives that rely on host-based encryption software. The jump is worth it when regulatory compliance such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOX or CCPA requires validated hardware security modules. It also supersedes older FIPS 140-2 devices where newer NIST microprocessor requirements now apply. Organizations handling classified or high-value data gain a complete Data Loss Protection pillar without managing separate software licences.

Suited for Regulated Environments

Government agencies, defence contractors and enterprises with strict data sovereignty mandates will find the certified security architecture aligns with procurement policies. Buyers who need only basic file transfer without compliance overhead should look at standard consumer drives. Users requiring hardware encryption but lacking USB Type-A ports on their host systems will need a separate adapter, which is not included.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in USB Thumb Drives, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $240.99
Pricier than about 91% of the 1,099 comparable items (median $31.99).

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Specifications

Size & build
Shipping weight0.45 kg
Package size127 × 71 × 28 mm

Questions about this item

Does the 256GB IronKey D500S fit a standard USB 3.2 Type-A port?

Yes, the drive uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connector that plugs directly into any standard USB Type-A socket without an adapter.

What is the first step when installing the drive, and where do users typically go wrong?

Insert the drive and run the on-device unlocker to create your admin password; the common mistake is skipping that initial password setup and expecting the drive to mount automatically.

How does the drive protect itself from physical tampering, and does that affect long-term use?

The zinc casing is epoxy-filled to resist penetration; the epoxy is permanent, so the drive cannot be opened for internal repair, but the sealed design is intended to last the product's lifetime.

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