Kanguru FlashTrust™ USB 3.0 User Manual

Introduction

The Kanguru FlashTrust™ is the world's first unencrypted flash drive featuring trusted firmware technology, designed to guard against malicious firmware-based attacks. Powered by RSA-2048 bit digitally signed and secured firmware, it offers consumers and organizations protection typically reserved for encrypted, enterprise-grade flash drives. This makes it suitable for users who do not require full hardware encryption but need strong safeguards against threats like “badUSB” and malware.

The Kanguru FlashTrust™ combines security with convenience. It offers SuperSpeed USB 3.0 performance and includes a built-in physical write-protect switch for enhanced data protection. Users can switch to “read-only” mode to prevent accidental overwriting or compromise of files by viruses or malware. Flipping the switch back restores full read/write access, similar to a standard flash drive.

Box Contents

1 x Kanguru FlashTrust™ USB 3.0 Flash Drive
1 x Warranty Registration Card

Main Features

Digitally-Signed Secure Firmware (RSA-2048 Bit)
Rugged and lightweight design for portability
Physical Write-Protect (Read-Only) On and Off toggle switch
Plug-and-play on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS
USB 3.2 Gen 1 SuperSpeed (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
ExFAT file system
Solid State Flash memory with 10+ year data retention (typical)
Durable and shock-resistant

How to Use the FlashTrust

Getting Started

Start your computer and boot into Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Plug the Kanguru FlashTrust into an available USB port.
Your operating system will automatically recognize the drive.

Windows: The system may install drivers the first time. The drive will appear in File Explorer under "This PC" as a removable storage device.

macOS: The drive will mount automatically and appear on your desktop and in Finder under Locations.

Linux: Most distributions detect the drive automatically and it appears in your file manager under Devices. Manual mounting may be required on some systems.

Once the drive appears, you can transfer, save, or open files as with any standard storage device. To safely remove, use the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon before unplugging.

Setting the FlashTrust as Read-Only

The Kanguru FlashTrust features a physical write-protect toggle switch on its side. This switch allows users to easily toggle between Read-Only and Read/Write modes, providing an extra layer of security against accidental deletion, modification, or malware.

Locate the toggle switch on the side of the device.
The Read/Write mode is indicated by the toggle switch in the ‘DOWN’ position, resembling an unlocked padlock [?].
To set the Kanguru FlashTrust as Read-Only, flip the toggle switch to the ‘UP’ position.

Formatting FlashTrust

Warning: Formatting will erase all data stored on the drive! Back up any important files before proceeding.

Formatting for Windows OS

The Kanguru FlashTrust is preformatted with the exFAT file system, which is compatible with both Windows and macOS. NTFS formatting is also supported.

Click on "This PC".
Right-click on the drive you want to format.
Choose "Format" from the menu.
Select the desired file system (e.g., exFAT, NTFS).
Enter a Volume Label Name (optional).
Click "Start".

Formatting for macOS

The Kanguru FlashTrust is preformatted with exFAT, compatible with Windows and macOS. NTFS formatting is also supported.

Open "Disk Utility".
In the sidebar, select the drive from the list of drives and volumes.
Click "Erase" in the toolbar.
Enter a name for the device in the "Name" field.
From the "Format" dropdown, select the desired file system (e.g., ExFAT, FAT32, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)).
From the "Scheme" dropdown, select "GUID Partition Map" (typically the default for macOS).
Click "Erase" to begin the formatting process.

Formatting for Linux OS

To format the Kanguru FlashTrust on Linux, follow these steps:

Open the "Disks" utility.
Select the drive from the list of devices in the left sidebar.
Click the gear icon [⚙️] (settings) and choose "Format Partition".
Enter a Volume Name and select the desired file system type (e.g., FAT32, ExFAT, or Ext4).
Click "Format" to begin the process.
Once formatting is complete, click the Play button [▶️] (mount icon) to mount the device.
A disk icon will appear on the desktop or in the file manager. Click the icon to access the drive.

Safely Ejecting the FlashTrust

Before removing the Kanguru FlashTrust, ensure no data is being transferred and no programs are accessing the device. A good indicator is that the RED LED indicator on the end of the drive is not blinking.

Follow these safe removal procedures to avoid data corruption:

Click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the taskbar.
Select the Kanguru FlashTrust from the popup menu.
A message will appear confirming it is safe to remove the device.

If you receive a message that the device cannot be removed, close any programs or windows accessing the device and try again. Always ensure the device is safely removed before disconnecting it to prevent data loss or system crashes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

This drive is an electronic device requiring careful handling.
Keep the drive free from dust and contaminants.
Keep liquid and moisture away from the drive.
Clean the exterior by wiping with a soft dry cloth. Avoid cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface.
Do not attempt to open or repair the drive yourself. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the device may expose you to dangerous voltage and will void the warranty.

Technical Support

For installation problems or technical questions, contact Kanguru Solutions' tech support department. Support is free and available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.

Phone: 1-508-376-4245

Website: www.kanguru.com

Warranty and RMA Information

Kanguru Solutions guarantees the Kanguru FlashTrust against defects in workmanship and materials for 3 years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from handling, accident, abuse, misuse, or if the product is used contrary to instructions, modified, or if warranty labels are removed.

For service during the warranty period, contact Kanguru Solutions Technical Support to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA). When returning a product, clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof of purchase.

Kanguru Solutions' liability is limited to the price paid for the product. Kanguru Solutions does not offer refunds after 30 days of purchase. Kanguru Solutions disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, regarding its products and documentation, including quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Kanguru Solutions reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without prior notification.

Kanguru FlashTrust™ User Manual