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Apricorn Aegis Padlock 2 TB SSD 256-Bit, FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated Ruggedized USB 3.0 Encrypted External Portable Drive (ASSD-3PL256-2TBF)
- Storage Capacity: 2 TB SSD in a portable external drive
- 256-Bit Encryption: Encrypted storage for protected data access
- Access Modes: Separate Admin and User modes for controlled drive access
- Read-Only Modes: Two Read-Only modes for restricted data handling
- PIN Controls: Programmable PIN lengths with brute-force defense and optional Self-Destruct PIN
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Overview
Specs
Reviews
See all Q & A 
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Overview
The Apricorn Aegis Padlock is a 2 TB encrypted external portable SSD for users who need controlled access and portable storage in a ruggedized USB 3.0 drive.
Key Features
- 256-bit encryption
- Separate Admin and User modes
- Two Read-Only modes
- Programmable PIN lengths
- Brute-force defense
- Optional Self-Destruct PIN
Performance
The 2 TB SSD provides portable storage capacity for encrypted external drive use.
Design
The ruggedized portable external drive is designed for convenient transport and use outside a desktop enclosure.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Connects through USB 3.0 as an external portable drive.
Reliability & Durability
The drive is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated and includes brute-force defense for its PIN-based access controls.
Specifications
- Brand: Apricorn
- Product: Aegis Padlock
- Model: ASSD-3PL256-2TBF
- Capacity: 2 TB
- Drive Type: SSD
- Encryption: 256-bit
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Certification: FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- Form Factor: External portable drive
- Design: Ruggedized
Warranty & Returns
Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information
Warranty
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 3 years
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 3 years
- Read full details
Return Policies
- Return for refund until: January 31, 2026
- Return for replacement until: January 31, 2026
- This item is covered by Newegg.com's Extended Holiday Return Policy.
- Read full return policy for details.
We want to ensure your holiday shopping this year is hassle-free. That’s why we’re automatically extending our return policies on almost every product! For purchases placed between November 1st, 2025 and December 31, 2025 you will have until January 31, 2026 to return your product.
Manufacturer Contact Info
- Manufacturer Website
- Support Phone: 1-800-458-5448
- Support Website
- View other products from Apricorn
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The Apricorn Aegis Padlock is a 2TB portable SSD with 256-bit encryption, USB 3.0 connectivity, and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation, suited to professionals and organizations that need portable storage with keypad PIN access and security controls.
Recommended For
- Professionals transporting confidential client, financial, or business files between offices or job sites who want the drive itself to require a PIN before exposing its data.
- Organizations that need to move sensitive data between computers without installing encryption software on each host, including mixed-platform or tightly managed work environments.
- IT administrators setting up controlled access for staff who share secure storage, since the drive provides separate Admin and User modes and onboard PIN entry.
- Mobile workers who want portable solid-state storage for sensitive files and value a PIN keypad and hardware encryption more than top-tier transfer speeds.
Real-World Use Scenarios
- A consultant carries client records between work sites and enters the PIN on the drive before connecting it; if the drive is lost, its hardware encryption helps prevent someone from simply plugging it in and browsing the files.
- A user moves sensitive files between different computers, including systems where they cannot install encryption software; the keypad-based unlock and USB storage connection let the drive handle access protection itself.
- A team gives someone files to review while trying to prevent accidental edits; an administrator can set the drive to read-only so its contents remain unchanged during that access.
- A photographer or video editor carries a large project between locations and wants portable storage with protection if it is misplaced; the drive provides a PIN-gated way to access those files, though it is better suited to secure transport than to users prioritizing top-tier SSD transfer speeds.
- An organization keeps a portable copy of sensitive documents for controlled access away from its network; the PIN keypad and hardware encryption suit that role, but the drive should not be the only copy of important data.
Spec Summary
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Best For | Portable external SSD storage for users seeking encrypted data access |
Reference Q&A
Q: Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD vs. Fortress L3: which should I choose?
A: Choose the 2TB Aegis Padlock SSD when you want a compact portable SSD with FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation and an integrated USB cable. Choose the Fortress L3 when your requirements call for FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation for the entire device; its official datasheet also lists both USB-A and USB-C cables. Confirm which validation level your organization requires before buying.
Q: Should I buy the Aegis Padlock SSD or a regular portable SSD?
A: Choose the Aegis Padlock SSD if keypad access, hardware encryption, and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation are priorities. Choose a conventional portable SSD if you prioritize higher transfer rates: Apricorn lists speeds up to 350 MB/s for the Padlock SSD, and real-world testing found roughly 330 MB/s read and 280 MB/s write. Compare the tested speed of the specific alternative before deciding.
Q: Aegis Padlock SSD vs. Aegis Padlock 3.0 HDD: which 2TB drive makes more sense?
A: Choose the 2TB Padlock SSD for faster transfers and better tolerance of physical shocks: Apricorn lists up to 350 MB/s for the SSD, compared with up to 159 MB/s for the Padlock 3.0 HDD. Choose the HDD version if its lower-speed hard-drive format fits your storage needs. The SSD model also specifies FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation; check the exact HDD model’s certifications separately.
Q: Is this drive suitable for storing sensitive work files?
A: It is designed for users who prioritize access control: the listing specifies 256-bit encryption, FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validation, separate Admin and User modes, and brute-force defense. It is a strong fit when those security features matter more than a simple plug-in-and-use drive.
Q: Is it a good drive to carry between work locations?
A: It may suit mobile work that involves carrying sensitive files: it is a portable SSD with a ruggedized design, USB 3.0 connectivity, and PIN-based security features. The product information does not specify a drop or water-resistance rating, so do not assume it can withstand particular travel hazards.
Q: How does the drive’s PIN security work?
A: The drive has separate Admin and User modes, programmable PIN lengths, two read-only modes, and brute-force defense. It also supports an optional self-destruct PIN. Buyers should understand the PIN-management options before storing important files, since access depends on using the configured credentials.
Q: What should I consider before buying this encrypted SSD?
A: Consider whether you need its added PIN controls and security features, and whether your workflow can accommodate managing Admin and User PINs. It connects over USB 3.0 and provides 2 TB of storage; the supplied product information does not specify read/write speeds or detailed operating-system compatibility.
Q: Is an Apricorn Aegis Padlock drive suitable for moving protected files between a Chromebook and a PC?
A: It may suit that use if you need drive-level access control without relying on encryption software installed on each computer. Reddit users discuss using Aegis Padlock drives for Chromebook-to-PC transfers, but check the exact model’s operating-system and file-system compatibility before buying.
Q: Who is the Aegis Padlock SSD a good fit for?
A: It is aimed at people or organizations that need portable storage with hardware-based access control, such as for sensitive work files or transfers. The listed admin and user modes and read-only options may help when access needs to be managed; Reddit users also discuss Apricorn drives for workplace and forensic-data use.
Q: What are the main trade-offs of buying an Apricorn Aegis Padlock?
A: The main trade-off discussed by users is paying more for standalone hardware encryption and access controls than for a basic external drive. A Reddit user also raised concern about a short, non-replaceable cable on an Apricorn portable drive; confirm the cable design for this exact SSD model before purchase.