Redkey USB Ltd

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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

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.

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]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Redkey_USB_Ltd&oldid=1218362305"