Lockheed Martin, IronKey announce ultra-secure 'PC on a stick' flash drive

Lockheed Martin and IronKey on Wednesday announced an ultra-secure USB flash drive with custom software that allows you to take entire computer with you for secure use on any public computer.

Called IronClad, the drive is available starting at 8GB capacity and offers 256-bit military-grade encryption, built-in virus protection, and a rugged water- and shock-resistant metal casing.

("IronKey" sound familiar? We previously wrote about the company's self-destructing USB keys and ultra-secure flash drives.)

The drive works by bypassing the computer's hard drive and running directly off the flash drive.

Each IronClad drive is a node on a centrally-managed network that lets IT organizations control security policies, keep watch on each drive, and carefully manage the applications that can or cannot be installed on the drive, the companies said.

Remote management lets you "brick," or permanently wipe all data from, lost or stolen drives, and amanaged, "white-listed" application portfolio means no unauthorized programs or applications can be loaded into the system.

"With IronClad drives, employees who need to work at home or on travel, or field operatives who deploy around the country or around the globe, can carry not just their files but their entire computer on a three-inch USB drive," said Charles Croom, Lockheed Martin's Vice President of Cyber Security Solutions, in prepared remarks.

Pricing is not yet available, but the companies are currently taking inquiries from interested companies.