External Hard Drive Apricorn 12TB USB Type-B 2.0/3.2 Gen 1 Aegis Padlock DT

The Apricorn Aegis Padlock DT is a hardware-encrypted external hard drive with a built-in keypad for PIN authentication. It provides 256-bit AES XTS on-the-fly encryption without requiring any software, supports USB 3.1 (3.0) speeds, and is cross-platform compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and Chrome. All internal components are epoxy-protected and the firmware is locked to resist tampering and malware attacks. The device offers separate Admin and User modes, programmable PIN policies, and configurable defenses against brute-force attacks.

Advantages

Hardware-only 256-bit AES XTS encryption secures data continuously without host software; onboard keypad authentication keeps PIN entry off the host system, preventing keyloggers from capturing credentials. Admin and User modes allow centralized configuration and restricted user access. Physical tamper protection and locked firmware reduce risk from hardware attacks and BadUSB-style firmware exploits. Programmable brute-force protection and the ability to reset and redeploy the drive add operational flexibility for secure reuse.

Suitable for

• Secure backup and archival of sensitive corporate or personal data
• Transporting confidential files between sites
• Use with embedded systems or devices without host-side authentication
• Forensic or audit scenarios requiring read-only enforcement

Key specifications

• Capacity: 12 TB (12000 GB)
• Encryption: 100% hardware 256-bit AES XTS, on-the-fly
• Authentication: Onboard keypad PIN (Admin and User PINs supported)
• Interface: USB Type-B, USB 2.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) — up to USB 3.1 (3.0) speeds
• Data transfer rate (max): up to 5000 Mbit/s (interface rated)
• Color: Black
• Brute-force defense: programmable attempts (4–20) before crypto-erase
• Compatibility: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Chrome (OS agnostic)

How to use

Initialize the drive by entering a unique Admin PIN using the onboard keypad; there is no factory default PIN. Configure Admin settings (PIN lengths, brute-force threshold, read-only modes) from Admin mode. Create User PINs as needed; users unlock the drive by entering their PIN on the keypad, at which point the drive becomes visible to the host and functions as a standard external HDD. If a User PIN is forgotten, Recovery PINs set by the Admin can create User Forced Enrollment to restore user access without altering stored data. To fully sanitize and redeploy the device, perform a drive reset which clears PINs, destroys data, and generates a new encryption key.

Usage recommendations

Set a sufficiently long PIN (recommended minimum 8 characters where policy allows) and configure the brute-force attempt limit appropriate to your operational risk to balance user convenience and data protection. Maintain the Admin PIN securely and record recovery settings to avoid permanent data loss. Use the device’s read-only modes when you need to preserve evidence or prevent accidental modification.