Wikipedia

Redkey USB Ltd

Redkey USB Ltd. is a British software company established in April 2018 after a crowfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The company specializes in creating proprietary utilities for secure data erasure. Its main product, the Redkey USB,[1] is designed to securely erase data from a variety of storage devices.

Redkey USB Ltd
Developer(s)Redkey USB Ltd
Initial release27 August 2018; 5 years ago (2018-08-27)
Written inC++
Operating systemOS independent
PlatformLinux (Debian)
Available in15 languages
TypeData erasure
Websitewww.redkeyusb.com

History edit

Redkey USB Ltd. has engaged in several crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo platforms to fund its developments:

  • Redkey USB V1: Launched on Kickstarter[2] in March 2018 and later on Indiegogo, raising a total of £11,901 from 304 backers.
  • Redkey USB V2: Subsequent campaigns on Kickstarter[3] and Indiegogo[4] from December 2018 to November 2019, raising £92,651 from 1851 backers.
  • Redkey USB V3: A 2020 Kickstarter[5] campaign and an Indiegogo[6] continuation in 2021 achieved a combined total of £110,230 from 2,277 backers.
  • Redkey USB V4: Launched on Kickstarter[7] in November 2022 and continued on Indiegogo[8] until April 2022, raising £154,561 from 1,702 backers.
  • Redkey USB V5: Initiated on Kickstarter[9] in May 2023 and extended on Indiegogo[10] to December 2023, amassing £115,594 from 1113 backers.
  • Redkey USB Make/100: A Kickstarter[11] campaign in January 2024 raised £13,817 from 104 backers.

Certifications and awards edit

The company's software was accredited by ADISA in 2020, achieving Test Level 1 for HDD & SSD devices, later enhanced in 2023 to include Test Level 2 and Test Level 1 for Apple & Android mobile devices.[12] ADISA certifications are valid for three years.

In 2021, Redkey USB was the winner of the Global Business Excellence Awards in the Outstanding Innovation category[13] and runner-up in the Computing Security Awards for Secure Asset Disposal Company of the Year.[14]

In 2023, Redkey USB was runner-up in the Computing Security Awards for Secure Asset Disposal Company of the Year and winner for Security Project of the Year.[15]

Products and technology edit

Redkey USB is a bootable live USB drive utility for secure data erasure, sold effectively as a security dongle requiring software installation by the user.[16] Based on the Linux Debian platform, it integrates various algorithms for internal and external erasure, supporting Intel-based x86-64 PCs and Macs. It uses ATA standards to erase hidden areas, such as the DCO and HPA. Features include secure erasure, reporting, certification support,[17] remote wiping, and various other features across several product versions.

Developments edit

  • V1: Introduced HDD erasure.
  • V3: Brought secure erasure, reporting, and Level 1 certification.
  • V4: Added remote wiping and an interface redesign.
  • V5: Featured automated mobile device erasure and Level 2 certification.

Product range edit

Redkey USB's products focus on data erasure tools available in Home,[18] Professional,[19] and Ultimate editions,[20] transitioning from pre-installed software to user-installed versions.

Controversy edit

In 2022, the company moved from a key-shaped USB design to a dual USB connector style, diverging from its original design convention and leading to user disappointment. The device is limited to erasing one device at a time due to licensing restrictions.

References edit

  1. ^ "Redkey USB". Network Computing. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  2. ^ "REDKEY USB Computer Data Erasing Device". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Redkey USB: The Ultimate Cyber Security Tool". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Redkey USB: Computer Data Wipe Tool". Backerkit. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Redkey USB Computer Data Wipe Tool - V3". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Redkey USB Computer Data Wipe Tool - V3". Backerkit. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Redkey USB V4: Data Wipe PCs, Cell Phones & More". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Redkey USB V4: Data Wipe PCs, Cell Phones & More". Backerkit. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Redkey USB V5 The Ultimate Data Eraser for Your Privacy!". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Redkey USB V5 Data Eraser for Your Privacy!". Backerkit. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Make/100 - Redkey V5 USB Data Wipe Kit". Kicktraq. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Redkey USB – Product Certification". Adisa Research Centre. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  13. ^ "Previous Winners". Global Business Excellence Awards. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  14. ^ "The Computing Security Awards 2021 Winners". Computing Security Awards. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Computing Security Awards 2023 - SECURITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE SECTOR". Computing Security. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  16. ^ "Redkey USB". Computing Security. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  17. ^ "Achieving a secure wipe". Computing Security. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  18. ^ Garrity, Tanner (10 May 2018). "This Key Can Zap Away Your Computer's Personal Data in Three Hours". Insidehook. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  19. ^ Cáceres, Daniel (24 Nov 2021). "Destruye todos los datos de tu PC, Mac, móvil y/o tablet con la llave USB que arrasa en Kickstarter". Business Insider. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Redkey USB V4 Ultimate Can Cleanly Wipe Any PC, Smartphone, Or Tablet". Coolthings. Retrieved 3 April 2024.

External links edit

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