DataLocker DL4 FE reviewed

In this review we look at the DataLocker DL4 FE, see more about their products on the website here. Their pitch runs along these lines -> DataLocker protects mission-critical data with military-grade encryption products and offers the only solution that enables central management of encrypted devices.

DataLocker DL4 FE reviewed

This device is pretty good. Out of the packet it booted up, was recognised by our MacBook and the installation process was straight forward, easy and successful. The design is tough and robust which is a plus. Not everyone here in the team loved the look of it, but overall it’s utilitarian look and design was not a show stopper for us.

The always rotating security entry system is a cool idea, as the location of the letters and numbers rotate every time you open it up. Ie your password doesn’t change, but where those keys are does, and rotates around the screen, so ensuring that finger prints on the screen leave no clue as to what the password is. One aspect that is a challenge, for our fat fingers at least, is that when inputting the password our fingers were larger than the keys. We did look in the box for an inputting stick but as far as we can see it is a fingers only system. The issue is then that sometimes your input is blurred across two keys, and can even result in you accidentally entering the wrong letter or number. There is a visual finger print validation to show you what you have selected, but for those values on the far right side of the screen we did enter the wrong key a few times.

Apart from this minor UX issue, overall we think it is a pretty good product. The device itself is robust, solid, and doesn’t feel like it is about to fall apart or have too many moving parts that will die on you. There is also a snug case that it comes in as well, for further security. This is our first encounter with products from this company and it seems like a pretty good start. The explainer videos are good, and Sunil seemed like a cheery positive choice for the walk throughs.

DataLocker has been making secure media devices for over 13 years: We provide data encryption solutions to all branches of the military, the DOD itself, numerous federal and state agencies, and most of the Fortune 100. We are known for our military-grade products.

The DL4 FE is expected to be the first device to receive Common Criteria cPP for USB Portable Storage Devices: The DL4 FE is the most secure USB Mass Storage we’ve ever offered (FIPS 140-2 Level 3 device pending validation, AES 256-bit crypto chip, CC EAL5+ pending validation) but we are expecting to receive the Common Criteria collaborative Protection Profile (cPP) for USB Portable Storage Device validation this summer (listed as in process in March) —and we expect the DL4 FE to be the first USB device ever to achieve this new certification.

Unique to the DL4 FE are so-called nuclear options for destroying device payload, including remote device detonation, the only known device of its kind that is capable of bricking the device itself (when managed by SafeConsole).

It has a massive capacity—up to 15.3 TB.

It includes DataLocker’s distinctive touch screen for highly sophisticated password options, and keypad randomization to prevent surface analysis.

More about Data Locker ->