19 December 2008 GIMME Pity about the USB By Duncan McLeod

The problem with carrying data around on portable hard drives is that they are inherently insecure. The last thing you want to store on them is sensitive company information. Toshiba, though, has come up with an innovative solution. It has integrated a fingerprint scanner into its new range of SecuRed, USB-powered hard drives. Simply plug the drive into a Windows PC and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your fingerprints. Next time you want to access the drive's contents, you'll first have to prove your credentials by swiping your finger through the scanner. Data on the drive can also be encrypted (partially or fully), making it difficult for even the most sophisticated crooks to steal your data. The drive's design is stunning - encased in black rubber, it is protected from knocks and bumps and the Ferrari-red metal finish is beautiful. But the drive has a big problem that spoils it. Because of the layer of rubber around the device, the USB cable doesn't connect well to it. As a result, the smallest bump disconnects it. This is a big enough problem to avoid buying this drive. A pity, because it's a winner in most other respects.