NEW from Apricorn: Aegis Bio 3.0 - Encrypted USB 3.0 Drive with Biometric Fingerprint Access

POWAY, Calif., Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Apricorn, (www.apricorn.com) a leader in data security products for business, today announced the Aegis Bio 3.0, an innovative 'software free' biometric USB 3.0 drive that safeguards data with secure fingerprint access and military grade 265-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption. The Aegis Bio is cross platform compatible with USB 3.0 performance.  Its compact durable design with integrated USB cable is perfect for the office or taking sensitive data on the road. Available with either a hard drive or SSD the Aegis Bio's 1TB model is priced at $249.

Designed for those that wish to break away from passwords and PINs, and utilize their unique fingerprint for secure access to their data, the Aegis Bio combines powerful hardware based authentication with real-time 256-bit AES-XTS data encryption. The result, a formidable hardware based security solution that requires no admin rights to setup or access data and works independently of the host OS, providing an exceptional level of data protection that is ideal for use in a multi-platform corporate environment.

Apricorn's Aegis Bio incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• AuthenTec^® Fingerprint Sensor for Hardware-based Biometric Authentication that meets the image requirements of both NIST and the FBI
• Real-time 256-bit AES-XTS Hardware Encryption, meeting the most stringent data storage requirements and rendering data on the drive impenetrable even if it is removed from the enclosure
• Embedded Enrollment and software free design does not require admin rights to setup or access data and allows for a seamless cross platform deployment
• Integrated USB 3.0 cable for a super fast, hassle-free connection
• Available as either a hard drive or super robust SSD, the Aegis Bio is available in capacities up to 1TB

With support for up to five fingerprints, the Aegis Bio's unique Embedded Enrollment keeps all fingerprint enrollment and authentication within the Aegis Bio circuitry, independent of the host system. While other biometric drives may use a CD emulation module or software on the host system for fingerprint enrollment, the Aegis Bio requires no software, enabling it to be used on any USB host regardless of its OS.

The AuthenTec fingerprint sensor uses an advanced live layer imaging technology called HD3D, to provide the most accurate fingerprint image possible. Using a patented dual-plate active pixel design, the sensor is superior to competitors that use only a single passive pixel design. The sensor uses three different sensing methods that penetrate outer layers of skin to read live layers under the skin, giving anti-spoofing protection and meeting the stringent image quality requirements of NIST and the FBI.

"The Aegis Bio's software free design and simple setup offer several advantages to virtually any security conscience organization," said Mike McCandless, VP of Sales and Marketing. "With no passwords to remember or admin rights to contend with and an OS independent design, the Aegis Bio can be easily deployed into any existing security infrastructure. The Aegis Bio is completely scalable to any sized company, and with no software or updates, it is ideal for those that use multiple hosts and platforms."

Availability
The Aegis Bio 3.0 is available from online resellers throughout the US and Canada or from Apricorn's website at www.apricorn.com/aegisbio3.

Pricing

Warranty
3 Years Limited

High Resolution Image
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130206/NE55238)

System Requirements
Compatible with any standard USB port (for full USB 3.0 speeds the Aegis Bio 3.0 must be used with a USB 3.0 port). Fully compatible with Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac computers and Linux. 

About Apricorn
Apricorn has provided secure storage solutions for some of the most prominent names in the industries of finance, healthcare and government. Apricorn's products have become the standard for many data security strategies. Apricorn was founded in 1983 and has developed numerous award winning products under the Apricorn brand and has been an OEM supplier to a number of leading computer manufacturers. Apricorn is headquartered in Poway, California, and distributes products throughout North America and Canada.  For additional information please visit http://www.apricorn.com.

One gigabyte (GB) = one billion bytes; accessible capacity will be less and actual capacity depends on the operating environment and formatting.

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SOURCE Apricorn