Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) Review

The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) is a USB flash drive purpose-built for on-the-go consumers or professionals who require extra security for their data. The LP50 is highlighted by AES hardware-encryption XTS mode support, which helps protect against attacks like BadUSB (i.e., a security attack that uses USB devices programmed to unleash malicious software) with digitally-signed firmware and Brute Force password attacks. Kingston’s new security-driven flash drive is available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB.

The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) is a USB flash drive purpose-built for on-the-go consumers or professionals who require extra security for their data. The LP50 is highlighted by AES hardware-encryption XTS mode support, which helps protect against attacks like BadUSB (i.e., a security attack that uses USB devices programmed to unleash malicious software) with digitally-signed firmware and Brute Force password attacks. Kingston’s new security-driven flash drive is available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Features

The IronKey Locker+ 50 features the USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface and is quoted to deliver up to 145MB/s read and 115MB/s write in sequential performance. Though it likely won’t be used in such a scenario, it also supports legacy 2.0 connectivity, which lowers speeds to just 30MB/s read and 20MB/s write. Of course, performance isn’t the lead story with this USB drive.

The main draw of Kingston’s IronKey flash drive is its password protection functionality. It allows users to choose either complex or passphrase mode when initially setting the drive password in the bundled setup wizard. The latter option can be a string of words and letters (it must be between 10 to 64 characters long) such as PIN numbers, a sentence with space characters, or just a list of words.

If using the “Complex,” users must type a password that is between 6-16 characters while using 3- out of 4-character sets (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and/or special characters). You can also enable the “admin and user passwords” option during the set-up process, which allows for a multi-password that admins can manage in addition to other useful features. That said, these cannot be changed unless the LP50 is reset.

Another useful security feature includes the option to reduce failed login attempts by enabling the “eye” button, which allows you to see your typed password. You can also use the embedded virtual keyboard when entering your password to help protect against both key and screen loggers.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Software

As far as software goes (besides the initial set-up when you add a password and your contact information), it only really allows you to unlock and manage the flash drive, with no additional features. So, if you’re looking for something with extra features you might be out of luck here.

That said, Kingston includes an option to install a 3^rd-party USB to Cloud software (from ClevX), which automatically back up your content to the cloud every time you plug in your drive and log in. The software installation wizard will pop up when you plug it in after the initial setup, though you can decline it and it will not show up again.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Pricing and Capacities

Backed by a 5-year warranty, the Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 goes for roughly $32 (16GB), $42 (32GB), $77 (64GB), and $120 (128GB). We will be looking at the 128GB model for this review

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) Specifications

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Design and Build

The Kingston IronKey is very hefty for a modern flash drive at almost two and a half inches in length and 0.4 inches in depth (though a rugged build is certainly preferred over something slight when security is your more important requirement for a USB flash key)

That said, the LP50 has a really nice silver shine to it, so it would definitely stand out among other portable storage devices, which makes it easier to find and more difficult to lose. It also has a blue LED that lights up during drive activity.

It features the product name and capacity using a nice imprinted gold font. The lid snaps very securely into place, so you won’t be damaged carrying it around in your pocket or backpack.

Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 Performance

We used our Lenovo ThinkStation P520 for performance testing. The LP50 performed very well during our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. Here, it recorded 158.6MB/s read and 136.2MB/s write, which was noticeably better than Kingston’s quoted 145MB/s read and 115MB/s write. While these numbers are certainly much lower than other portable drives on the market (like USB 3.2 Gen2 Kingston DataTraveler Max), the LP50 is meant for users looking for an affordable security-focused solution over a performance-driven one.

The IronKey Locker+ 50 showed solid results in our last test, IOMeter, again exceeding the quoted numbers from Kingston.

Conclusion

The Kingston IronKey Locker+ 50 (LP50) is a ruggedly-built USB 3.1 Gen1 flash drive highlighted by its focus on security features designed to protect your data from malicious intent and accidental deletion. For example, you can easily set complex password phrases to access the drive and install optional backup software that automatically uploads files to the Cloud every time you log in to your drive. The design is also excellent and stands out with its silver and gold branding.

The LP50 also exceeded Kingston’s transfer speed claims in our testing, as it recorded 158.6MB/s read and 136.2MB/s write during our BlackMagic test (a nice little improvement over the quoted 145MB/s read, 115MB/s write). IOmeter showed similar sequential performance as well. Performance isn’t the main story here, but it’s nice to have.

Kingston LP50 at Amazon

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