I'm a big fan of my encrypted SSD, and that drive and I have traveled the world together.But there are times when lugging an SSD around is not an option. This is where having something a bit lighter and more compact is handy.

Maybe even something that can be attached to a keychain, like a USB flash drive, but not an ordinary USB flash drive.

What I've been using is a hardware-encrypted USB flash drive, theKingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 .

Also: 10 tiny tools I carry with me everywhere - how they work

Externally, this looks like any other premium-quality flash drive. At the business end is a regular USB-A connector compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1, giving it broad compatibility and good performance (up to 250MB/s read, 180MB/s write speeds). If you want to use it on a device with USB-C ports, it'll work, but you'll need a dongle or an adapter, or to get theUSB-C version of the drive .

RECOMMENDS

Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 (USB-A or USB-C)

The IronKey Vault 50 is available in storage capacities up to 512GB. 

details

View at Amazon

But packed into the alloy shell is a lot of tech. At the heart of this drive is an XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption engine that always keeps all the data on the drive encrypted. The data is never left in plain text at any time, making this a very secure choice.

Also: My new favorite keychain holder can carry up to 14 keys (and is trackable by phone)

The drive has all the features of a high-end, high-security, encrypted drive. It has built-in brute force and BadUSB attack protection, support for complex/passphrase modes, and a write-protected mode. It also has built-in physical protections, such as being filled with epoxy resin to prevent tampering. 

It's perfect for on-the-go data security. No power is needed, there's no battery to charge, and there's no software to install on the host system.

Why I recommend this product

Firstly, this drive just works. I've had myKingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 for a few years now, and it's been fantastic. It still looks and works like new. I've even managed not to lose the drive cap, which is quite an achievement!

Something else I like about this drive is that it comes in various capacities -- 16GB up to 512GB -- and it's competitively priced, starting at only$57. Yes, you're paying a premium for an encrypted flash drive, but a very modest premium.

If this can survive being in my pocket for an extended period, it's a very robust gadget.

Featured reviews

Why I recommend this$2,000 mirrorless camera to both beginners and professionals

Finally, an ultraportable Windows laptop I'd use at the office (even though it's for gamers)

Why I recommend this budget phone with a paper-like screen over other 'minimalist' devices

I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it

• Why I recommend this$2,000 mirrorless camera to both beginners and professionals
• Finally, an ultraportable Windows laptop I'd use at the office (even though it's for gamers)
• Why I recommend this budget phone with a paper-like screen over other 'minimalist' devices
• I replaced my Samsung OLED TV with this Sony Mini LED model for a week - and didn't regret it