IronKey IKD500S/16GB D500S 16GB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A Flash Drive - 260 MB/s Read - 190 MB/s Write - Hardware Encrypted
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Product Features
Technical Overview
Built around 256-bit AES XTS hardware encryption, the D500S offers read speeds up to 260 MB/s and write speeds up to 190 MB/s. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface ensures backward compatibility with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports while delivering optimal performance on modern systems.
The drive supports multiple security modes including Admin and User modes, read-only mode, and complex password protection with both passphrase and complex password options. Cryptographic erase functionality allows for immediate data destruction in emergency situations.
Relevant factors for this section include Storage Capacity, Maximum Read Speed, Maximum Write Speed, Host Interface. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The IronKey D500S stands out with its combination of military-grade security certifications and practical deployment features. Unlike software-encrypted drives, the hardware-based encryption ensures protection even when connected to compromised systems.
These strengths make the product easier to deploy and manage in real environments, especially where reliability, usability, and day-to-day operational continuity matter. Notable benefits include Advanced Security Management, Rugged Physical Design.
Advanced Security Management
Dual hidden partitions, multi-password options, and brute force self-destruct protection provide layered security controls suitable for sensitive data handling.
- Admin and User modes
- Read-only mode option
- Crypto-erase password
Rugged Physical Design
The zinc alloy casing offers penetration resistance while maintaining a compact rectangular form factor measuring 3.07" × 0.86" × 0.47" (77.90 × 21.90 × 12 mm).
- Waterproof construction
- Impact resistant
- Compact portable size
Deployment / Use Cases
The D500S is ideal for government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and any enterprise handling sensitive data that requires portable storage. The drive's TAA compliance makes it suitable for U.S. government procurement, while its environmental certifications ensure adherence to global standards.
Common deployment scenarios include secure data transfer between air-gapped systems, encrypted backups for field personnel, and protected storage for confidential documents during travel. The drive partitioning capabilities allow organizations to create separate secure and public partitions for different data types.
Government & Defense Applications
With pending FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification and TAA compliance, this drive meets requirements for classified data handling in defense and intelligence contexts.
Enterprise Data Protection
Organizations can deploy the D500S for secure employee data storage, encrypted backups, and protected data transfers between departments or locations.
Physical Profile
The rectangular zinc casing provides both security and durability in a compact form factor. Measuring 3.07 inches in length, 0.86 inches in width, and 0.47 inches in height (77.90 × 21.90 × 12 mm), the drive offers substantial storage capacity in a pocket-sized device. The rugged construction includes waterproofing and impact resistance for field deployment.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 0.47" (12 mm), 0.86" (21.90 mm). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 0.86" (21.90 mm)
- Height
- 0.47" (12 mm)
- Length
- 3.07" (77.90 mm)
Highlights
- 16 GB storage capacity with 260 MB/s read and 190 MB/s write speeds
- Hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 pending certification
- Rugged zinc alloy casing with waterproof construction for physical protection
- Multiple security modes including Admin/User modes and read-only operation
- Advanced features: cryptographic erase, brute force self-destruct, password protection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A interface with backward compatibility
- TAA compliant for U.S. government procurement requirements
- Environmental compliance: REACH, RoHS, WEEE, and PFOS hazard assessment
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kingston Technology Company |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IKD500S/16GB |
| Brand Name | IronKey |
| Product Model | D500S |
| Product Name | D500S 16GB USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type A Flash Drive |
| Product Type | Flash Drive |
| Technical Information | |
| Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
| Maximum Read Speed | 260 MB/s |
| Maximum Write Speed | 190 MB/s |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Encryption Standard | XTS-AES,256-bit AES |
| Features | Water Proof,Drive Partitioning,Cryptographic Erase,Rugged Casing,Admin and User Mode,Read-only Mode,Password Protection,Brute Force Self Destruct |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type A |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Rugged | Yes |
| Height | 0.47" (12 mm) |
| Width | 0.86" (21.90 mm) |
| Length | 3.07" (77.90 mm) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | Hazard Assessment of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) |
| Environmental Compliance | Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
User Manual
FAQ
What encryption standard does the IronKey D500S use?
The D500S utilizes hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption in XTS mode, which provides stronger protection than software encryption solutions. This hardware implementation ensures the encryption keys never leave the secure element within the drive, protecting data even if connected to compromised systems.
What are the read and write speeds of this flash drive?
The IronKey D500S delivers maximum read speeds of 260 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 190 MB/s when connected via its USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A interface. These speeds enable efficient transfer of large encrypted files while maintaining the security protocols.
Is this drive suitable for government or defense applications?
Yes, the D500S is designed for government and defense applications with its pending FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification and TAA compliance. The hardware encryption meets stringent security standards required for handling sensitive and classified data in these environments.
What physical protection features does the drive include?
The drive features a rugged zinc alloy casing that provides penetration attack protection and impact resistance. It is also waterproof and built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for field deployment and travel with sensitive data.
What security management options are available?
The D500S offers multiple security management features including Admin and User modes, read-only mode, complex password protection with both passphrase and complex password options, cryptographic erase for emergency data destruction, and brute force self-destruct protection after failed password attempts.
What environmental certifications does this product have?
The IronKey D500S complies with multiple environmental standards including REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive), and includes PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) hazard assessment. These certifications ensure responsible manufacturing and disposal practices.