This morning Apricorn launched the most secure biometric external hard drive, Aegis Bio.

The Aegis Bio is a hardware encrypted biometric hard drive that allows users to securely access their files with a fingerprint biometric sensor. Once registered, secure files can be accessed with just a swipe of a finger.

Designed for mobile professionals, Apricorn’s Aegis Bio incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• Hardware-based Biometric Protection - UPEK TouchStrip Fingerprint Sensor and Digital ID Hardware Engine

   

• Real-time Hardware-based Encryption - Oxford Semiconductor storage controller IC provides real-time data encryption via 128-bit AES encryption, rendering data on the drive impenetrable even if it is removed from the enclosure

   

• Rugged Design – the bus powered Aegis Bio features a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system protecting the drive from accidental bumps and knocks

   

• Integrated USB cable for hassle-free connection

   

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• More product details are included below.

   

Apricorn Releases the Aegis Bio – Encrypted, Portable Hard Drive with Biometric Fingerprint Access

 

Durable, Portable Storage Can Be Securely Accessed With the Touch of a Finger

 

Poway, Calif. June 12, 2007 – Apricorn, (www.apricorn.com) the leader in personal storage, today launched the Aegis Bio, a hardware encrypted biometric hard drive that allows users to securely access their files with a fingerprint biometric sensor. Once registered, secure files can be accessed with just a swipe of a finger.

Designed for mobile professionals, Apricorn’s Aegis Bio incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• Hardware-based Biometric Protection - UPEK® TouchStrip™ Fingerprint Sensor and Digital ID Hardware Engine

   

• Real-time Hardware-based Encryption - Oxford Semiconductor® storage controller IC provides real-time data encryption via 128-bit AES encryption, rendering data on the drive impenetrable even if it is removed from the enclosure

   

• Rugged Design – the bus powered Aegis Bio features a 16-point omni-directional shock mounting system protecting the drive from accidental bumps and knocks

   

• Integrated USB cable for hassle-free connection

   

Apricorn’s Aegis Bio is cross platform compatible. Once registered, the Aegis Bio requires no software on the host computer to access your data, allowing access to files on any USB equipped computer. In addition to securing your data, the Aegis Bio allows users to login to Windows® and password-protected online accounts with a simple swipe of the finger using UPEK’s Protector Suite™ Token software.

“Not a week goes by without headlines of sensitive data being stolen or lost in public, compromising both companies and individuals” said Mike McCandless, Apricorn’s VP of Sales and Marketing.  “By incorporating the UPEK TouchStrip biometric features and Oxford Semiconductor encryption engine into our popular Aegis hard drives, we’ve developed a very dependable, affordable, easy-to-use portable data security solution that can endure the bumps and bruises that accompany life on the road.”

With 80GB, 120GB and 160GB capacities, the Aegis Bio is the perfect option for taking sensitive information on the road and is ideal for IT departments looking to secure their mobile users.

“Apricorn is an innovator in durable, portable and revolutionary storage solutions,” said Vito Fabbrizio, Director of Portable Storage Solutions at UPEK.  “The Aegis Bio is innovative in bringing to market hardware-based biometric authentication and encryption.”

"The Aegis Bio product meets the needs of customer's looking to secure personal and confidential business information to meet growing legislative requirements worldwide for protection of data,” commented David Schwartz, VP of Worldwide Sales at Oxford Semiconductor. “ Oxford is delighted to partner with Apricorn to deliver high quality encryption products to the external storage market."

In addition to biometric security and hardware encryption, the bus powered Aegis Bio features an integrated USB 2.0 cable (eliminating the need to carry around bulky USB cables), an auxiliary power Y-cable, software CD, a neoprene travel pouch and Quick Start Guide.

System Requirements

 

Hardware: Pentium II CPU, Apple G3 or later (fingerprint registration must be done in Windows), 32MBs RAM, USB, CD-ROM or

Software: Windows 2000, XP and Vista (fingerprint software not compatible with Mac)

Availability

Apricorn’s Aegis Bio is currently available online at www.apricorn.com.

Pricing

Aegis Bio 80GB - $199

Aegis Bio 120GB - $219

Aegis Bio 160GB - $289

Warranty

3 Years Limited

About Apricorn

Apricorn, a leader in personal storage, offers a broad family of innovative, high-quality storage, backup & upgrade products for notebook & desktop applications. 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.