Apricorn Aegis Fortress AFL3S500 512 GB portable SSD USB 3.0

Secure portable storage for sensitive data

The Apricorn Aegis Fortress AFL3S500 is a 512 GB external SSD built for users who must keep confidential files protected while travelling. Its hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption and onboard keypad authentication operate without any software installation. The drive is validated to FIPS 140-2 level 3, meeting NIST's highest tier for portable devices. It suits professionals handling regulated or proprietary information across multiple platforms.

Hardware encryption with keypad access

The single specification that determines suitability is the 100 percent hardware-based 256-bit AES XTS encryption combined with PIN entry on the physical keypad. All encryption occurs on the fly and keys remain encrypted at rest, so no host software or operating system support is required. This makes the drive compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, Chrome and embedded systems that only provide a powered USB port and a file system.

Sustained throughput over USB 3.0

Under continuous workloads the drive delivers ultra-fast transfer speeds through its USB 3.1 Gen 1 (3.0) interface without thermal throttling or software overhead. The rugged enclosure protects the encryption chipset and flash memory during extended use in harsh environments. Performance remains consistent because encryption and authentication are handled entirely by the onboard processor rather than the host CPU.