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How Do External Keys Work

StrongDisk Pro allows storing part of the access password or the entire password in an electronic key or in a file-key. An electronic key is a special trinket-like device that connects to a USB or COM port of the computer. File-key is just a file, which is usually located on a removable media. To mount a disk protected with a file-key, you have to insert the removable media with the file-key into a disk drive. The part of the password that is stored in an electronic key or in a file-key is called the external code. If only the external key is used to mount a disk, instead of asking the user to enter a password the system reads the external code from the electronic key or from the file-key. If both the external key and the user-entered password are used then the system joins the external code from the electronic key or from the file-key with the user-entered one.

An electronic key and a file-key can be used together. Thus the full disk access password can be divided into three parts – one in the memory of the user, the other in an electronic key, and the third in a file-key.

External keys have the following advantages:

• to access the protected disk the attacker needs not only the password but also an external key.
• an external code inside an electronic key or a file-key is created randomly, is long, and is binary (not alpha-numerical), and it totally eliminates the possibility of picking it.
• external keys make it unnecessary to remember a complicated password.

Advantages of electronic keys:

• when using an electronic key, you can configure the system so that all the disks are dismounted automatically when it is removed from the port
• electronic keys are more durable than usual or Zip-diskettes. A diskette might de damaged by mere dropping on the floor.
• electronic keys are much smaller than diskettes or CDs, thus being more convenient.

Advantages of file-keys:

• since file-keys can be stored on usual diskettes, CDs or Zip-diskettes, unlike electronic keys their usage does not require additional hardware (adapters, ports) and its installation.
• using diskettes or CDs will not alert the beholders since they may even remain ignorant about your using the StrongDisk Pro and having the file-key on your diskette.

Before using the external key it should be initialized. During initialization a randomly generated code will be written into the electronic key or the file-key.

One external key can store only one password.

Re-initialization of an external key overwrites the code stored in it with a new one, so if there are no copies of the key all data on disks created with this key is irrevocably lost.

To prevent data loss due to loss or damage of the external key we recommend you to make a copy of it and store this copy in a safe place where the attackers will be unable to find it. File-keys are better stored on CDs then on diskettes since the latter can be damaged during transportation or storage. An electronic key can also be copied to a file-key.