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This compact fingerprint enclosure encloses your hard drive and protects your data!
Installation:
The ssd is secured to the sliding internal components via 2 tiny screws. I then slide the assembly into the case and secure it with another 2 different sized tiny screws. A magnetic screwdriver is included as well as 1 spare screw of each type. There is no physical lock.
Use:
The enclosure uses the same kind of port and data cable is same as my many Seagate and Western Digital external hard disks. It's not as good as type C in terms of widespread use but it is pretty standardized for external storage. Unlike those hard disks, this enclosure does not require an external power source. The end that plugs into my PC is type A USB 3.
When the enclosure is connected, the enclosure's Windows only management software appears. I can then use this software to add/name fingerprints and change the password, it's all pretty intuitive. There was a bug my first use where I could not access the fingerprint settings even with the correct password, fixed by unplugging and re plugging and the issue was not replicated since.
To actually access data, I have to unlock the partition by entering the password. In the future I can just press the fingerprint sensor once the enclosure is powered on any device.
Once the password is validated, the computer gains access to the partition, but no lettered drive appears in the device list just yet. The enclosure does not allow windows to recognize the SSD's preformatted partition, so I have to use the partition manager to re-initialize and format it before I can use it - the enclosure's management software also provides a "restore factory setting" option that includes resetting the partition and format. I make sure I've backed up all the data before doing this.
Once the SSD is formatted, the drive appears in my drive list. I am able to read and write files at the SSD's speed of 250mb/s. Passive vents on one side and metal-like construction of the case helps to keep it cool.
Protection:
Once I'm done using, I can unplug the enclosure to disconnect. If I reconnect, I can unlock it immediately after powering it up, without accessing the management software, by touching the fingerprint sensor. If I don't have the password or fingerprint I can still use the factory reset to wipe the hard drive.
If I take the SSD out and put it in a normal unencrypted enclosure, it shows up on windows as an uninitialized hard drive so I cannot simply access the data by changing enclosures.
Additional considerations:
Some questions I would think about before buying is what happens if the enclosure breaks out of warranty? Will a replacement work with the same fingerprint and password or is this stored in the enclosure? Am I limited to Startech's enclosures or is the encryption system compatible with other products? What is the wrong password lockout (if any?)
Non-windows users will have to go back to windows every time they need to add/remove fingerprints, or if the fingerprint sensor stops working and they need to open it with the password.
Summary:
Overall this is a good way to protect and access your data.
| Item Weight | 95 Grams |
|---|---|
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 1 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Hard Drive | usb 3 1 |
