Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 Portable Drive

1. Introduction

The Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 is a highly secure, hardware-encrypted portable drive designed to protect sensitive data. It meets NIST FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requirements, ensuring the entire device, including the hard drive, electronics, and enclosure, is secured. The drive features AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, protecting data even if the hard drive is removed from its enclosure. It is ready to use out of the box without requiring software, drivers, or updates, making it cross-platform compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

Key security features include forced enrollment, which requires an administrator PIN setup before use, eliminating default PIN vulnerabilities. All PIN entries are performed directly on the device's keypad, ensuring no security parameters are shared with the host computer. The drive also offers two Read-Only modes for data protection against viruses or unauthorized modification, and a Brute-Force Defense mechanism that crypto-erases the encryption key after a predetermined number of incorrect PIN entries.

Image 1: Front view of the Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 Portable Drive, showcasing its integrated keypad for secure access.

2. Setup

1. Connect the Drive: Use the provided USB cable to connect the Aegis Fortress L3 to an available USB port on your computer.
2. Initial PIN Setup (Forced Enrollment): Upon first use, the device will require you to set an Administrator PIN. Follow the on-screen prompts or refer to the Quick Start Guide for detailed instructions on creating your secure PIN. This step is mandatory before the drive can be accessed.
3. Unlock the Drive: After setting up the PIN, enter your Administrator PIN on the integrated keypad to unlock the drive. The LED indicators will confirm successful unlocking.

Image 2: The Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3 connected to a computer via its USB cable, ready for setup or use.

3. Operating Instructions

1. Unlocking the Drive:
   • Connect the drive to your computer.
   • Enter your Administrator or User PIN on the keypad.
   • Press the Unlock button (often indicated by an open padlock icon). The drive will become accessible on your computer.
2. Locking the Drive:
   • Manual Lock: Press the Lock button (often indicated by a closed padlock icon) on the keypad.
   • Automatic Lock: The drive can be configured to automatically lock after a period of inactivity or upon disconnection from the host system.
3. Read-Only Modes: The Aegis Fortress L3 supports two Read-Only modes. These modes prevent data from being written to or modified on the drive, protecting against malware and accidental changes. Refer to the full user manual for instructions on activating and deactivating these modes.

Video 1: An overview demonstrating the basic operation of the Apricorn Aegis Padlock, including connecting, unlocking with a PIN, accessing files, and locking the drive. This video highlights the ease of use and security features.

4. Features

• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Validated: Ensures the highest level of security for the entire device.
• AES-XTS 256-bit Hardware Encryption: Provides real-time data encryption, independent of the operating system.
• Software-Free Operation: No software or drivers required, ensuring broad compatibility across various operating systems (PC, Mac, Linux, mass storage compliant systems).
• Integrated Keypad: For secure PIN entry, preventing keyloggers and other software-based attacks.
• Separate Admin and User Modes: Allows for flexible access control and management.
• Dual Read-Only Modes: Protects data from modification or infection when accessing in public or untrusted environments.
• Brute-Force Defense: Automatically crypto-erases the encryption key after a set number of incorrect PIN attempts, rendering data useless to unauthorized users.
• Rugged Enclosure: Milled from aircraft-grade 6061 aluminum alloy for enhanced durability.
• USB 3.0 Connectivity: For fast data transfer speeds.
• Configurable: Custom profiles and mass configuration options available with Apricorn's Aegis Configurator (sold separately).

Image 3: A close-up top view of the drive's keypad, highlighting the numerical buttons and LED indicators for status.

5. Maintenance

• Physical Care: Keep the drive clean and free from dust. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight.
• Avoid Physical Shock: While the enclosure is rugged, the internal mechanical hard drive is susceptible to damage from drops or impacts. Handle with care.
• Regular Backups: Although the drive is secure, it is always recommended to maintain backups of critical data on separate storage devices.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Apricorn website for any available firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.

Image 4: Side view of the Apricorn Aegis Fortress L3, illustrating the USB port for connection.

6. Troubleshooting

• Drive Not Recognized:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the drive and the computer.
  • Try connecting to a different USB port or a different computer to rule out port or system issues.
  • Verify that the drive is unlocked by entering the correct PIN.
• Incorrect PIN Entry: If you repeatedly enter an incorrect PIN, the Brute-Force Defense mechanism may activate, leading to a crypto-erase of the drive. Ensure you enter the correct PIN carefully.
• Slow Performance: Ensure you are using a USB 3.0 port for optimal transfer speeds. Older USB 2.0 ports will result in slower performance.
• Contact Support: If issues persist, refer to the comprehensive user manual or contact Apricorn customer support for further assistance.

7. Specifications

8. What's in the Box

• External HDD (Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3)
• Type A & C USB Cables
• Travel pouch
• Quick Start Guide

9. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Apricorn website. Support resources typically include FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact information for customer service.