Aegis Secure Key 3z Patent Pending

User’s Manual

Remember to memorize / save all

authentication and recovery PINs
in a safe place.

Data Security at Your Fingertips

 Table of Contents
About the Aegis Secure Key 3z  4
PIN Requirements  4 Copyright © 2018 Apricorn. All rights reserved.
Battery Note  4
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Waking the Key  5
All other trademarks and copyrights referred to are the property of their
First-Time Use  5 respective owners.
Admin Mode  5
Distribution of modified versions of this document is prohibited without
LED States and Their Meaning  6
the explicit permission of the copyright holder.
Unlocking the Key  6 Distribution of the work or derivative work in any standard (paper) book
Locking the Key  6 form for commercial purposes is prohibited unless prior permission is
obtained from the copyright holder.
Adding a New User PIN (Via Admin Mode) 7
Adding a New User PIN (Via User Forced Enrollment Mode) 7 DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED AS IS AND ALL EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES,
Deleting the User PIN  8
INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY,
Changing the User PIN  8 FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT,
Changing the Admin PIN  8 ARE DISCLAIMED, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH
DISCLAIMERS ARE HELD TO BE LEGALLY INVALID
Setting One-Time-Use Recovery PINs  9
Using One-Time-Use Recovery PINs  9 (Revised 04-19)
Setting Read-Only or Read / Write Modes from Admin Mode  10
Setting Read-Only or Read / Write Modes from the User Mode  11
Setting LED Flicker / Button Press Indicator Mode  12
Setting Minimum PIN Length Requirement  12
Setting the Unattended Auto-Lock Feature  12
Setting a Self-Destruct PIN  13
Aegis Secure Key Brute-Force Protection  14
Performing a Complete Reset  15
Initializing and Formatting After a Complete Reset  16
Hibernating or Logging Off from the Operating System  17
Aegis Secure Key Setup for Mac OS  17
Diagnostic Mode  18
Lock-Override Mode 19
Troubleshooting / FAQs 20-21
Technical Support / Warranty and RMA information  22
12191 Kirkham Road, Poway, CA, U.S.A. 92064
 Quick Reference Guide 23
1-858-513-2000 | www.apricorn.com
 Waking the Key
About the Aegis Secure Key 3z When the key is not in use, it will enter a sleep state. While in this state, the key is locked and
cannot be accessed.
To wake the key so it can accept keypad inputs, press the button once. The RED LED will
glow solidly (standby state.)
Note: If the key has never been used, the BLUE and GREEN LEDs will glow solidly indicating
that the Admin PIN must first be established before the key can be used.

Important: First-Time Use

3 DO NOT PRESS ANY BUTTONS Each Aegis Secure Key is shipped without a preset Personal Identification Number (PIN)
WHILE THE SECURE KEY IS installed on the key. A 7 to 16-digit Admin PIN must be established before the key can be
INSERTED INTO A COMPUTER used. This Admin PIN can be used to set any and all of the Admin Mode Features of the key,
USB PORT. The resulting downward as well as to access the key’s data.
pressure exerted can damage the
NOTE: if you are using the Aegis Configurator to set up your Aegis Secure Key or
Secure Key’s USB connector and
the computer’s USB port, causing any other Apricorn secure drive, first ensure that the device to be configured has
CONFIGURABLE

both to malfunction. Enter all PINs the “configurable” logo on the back of the device and second, DO NOT perform
and command codes onto the Secure any of the the following Manual Admin and USER PIN SETUP steps below; The Aegis
Key’s keypad PRIOR to plugging the Configurator will execute these setup steps and will only recognize devices in their factory
device into the USB port for use. “out of box” state or devices that have been completely reset.

To Set Up the Admin PIN:

1. Wake up the key by pressing the button. Both the BLUE and GREEN LEDs will glow
2 1 Battery Note solidly.
2. Press + 9 at the same time. The BLUE LED will glow solidly and the GREEN LED will
The Aegis Secure Key has an internal
be blinking.
rechargeable battery with a smart-charging 3. Enter the series of numbers that you will use for the Admin PIN (See PIN requirements on p.
circuit. For safety, each key ships with a partial 4) and press the button.*
charge. Before initial use, we recommend 4. Re-enter that same PIN and press the button again. The GREEN LED will illuminate for
one second followed by the BLUE LED glowing solidly by itself.
plugging the key into a powered USB port for 5. The key is now in Admin mode and other Admin features can be set (e.g., adding a User.)
80 minutes to fully charge the battery. The 6. To exit the Admin mode, press the button. The key will return to the locked standby state.
battery will automatically charge whenever it is If no action is taken within 30 seconds, the key will return to its locked sleep state.
* GREEN LED will blink if the PIN is accepted; If the PIN is NOT accepted, the RED LED
plugged into a powered USB port, regardless of will blink-- return to step 4 to resume the Admin PIN setup process.
its operational mode. In standby mode, the RED
LED fades in and out slowly to indicate that it’s Admin Mode
charging and glows solid RED to indicate that To set up any of the key’s Admin functions, the Admin mode must first be entered. Once in the
it’s fully charged. Note: Prior to initial setup, Admin mode, each of the key’s functions can be addressed with the appropriate button com-
mands. While in the Admin mode, the data on the key will not be accessible.
the RED LED will pulse while plugged into a
PIN Requirements Prior to your first use of the Aegis Secure Key, you must first set an Admin PIN. Immediately
powered USB port even though it may be fully after setting up your Admin PIN, you may then continue setting up other functions. If you do
PINs must be a minimum of seven
digits and a maximum of 16 digits. charged. If the battery is completely discharged, nothing for a period of 30 seconds, the key will revert to its standby state.
To re-enter the Admin mode, perform the following steps below.
Cannot contain all sequential the key will go through a self-test (indicated by a
numbers (e.g., 01234567, 9876543) 1. Press and hold + 0 for five seconds until the RED LED blinks.
RED, GREEN, and BLUE LED sequence) when
and cannot contain all of the same (This indicates that you can enter the Admin PIN.)
number (e.g., 1111111, 2222222.) plugged into a USB port. 2. Enter the Admin PIN and press the button.
Note: Sequentially, 0 occurs before 1, not after 9. 3. Admin Mode is indicated by a solid BLUE LED.
4. To exit the Admin Mode, either allow 30 seconds of inactivity or
4 press the button. 5
LED States and Their Meaning Establishing a User PIN
Slow Fading RED Battery charging (when plugged into USB port) If no additional User beyond the Admin will be permitted to access the key’s data, disregard this
page’s contents as it relates only to the “User” PIN.
No LEDs Key locked and asleep The Aegis Secure Key can have one Admin and one User, making a total of two working PINs.
Blinking RED Error / incorrect key entry; Mode Not Available; User Adding a User is a perfect way to securely share the key or deploy it for use where the User does
PIN Change not require access to the key’s Admin features. While the User has limited functionality and no
Admin rights to the key, they can still access its data, change their own User PIN, and set the key
Solid RED Locked / Standby state; Awaiting PIN entry
to Read Only or Read / Write mode.
Blinking GREEN Key-entry accepted There are two ways to establish a User PIN: Admin generated while in Admin Mode, or User
Solid BLUE / Waiting for New User or Admin PIN to be generated while in User Forced Enrollment State.
Blinking GREEN established A.) ADMIN-GENERATED USER PIN
Solid BLUE Admin Mode 1. Enter the Admin Mode by holding + 0 for five seconds; With RED LED blinking, enter the
Admin PIN and press the button. The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
Solid GREEN Key ed
2. Press the + 1 buttons together until the BLUE LED glows solidly and the GREEN LED
Slow Blinking BLUE Key ed in Lock-Override Mode starts blinking.
Solid GREEN / Key ed in Read-Only Mode 3. Enter the User PIN* and press . The GREEN LED will blink three times by itself, then
Slow Blinking RED the BLUE LED will glow solidly as the GREEN LED continues blinking.
Alternating Indicates a mode has been entered that can result 4. Re-enter that same User PIN and press . The GREEN LED will glow solidly for three
RED / BLUE in the deletion of a User or the data on the key seconds verifying that the User PIN was successfully added, and then will be replaced
(depending on the mode chosen.) by the BLUE LED glowing solidly, indicating that the key has returned to the Admin
Also used when setting Auto-lock feature mode.
One second of RED Self-test mode to ensure all components are ready B.) USER-GENERATED USER PIN (USER FORCED ENROLLMENT)
followed by one and working properly
Note: User Forced Enrollment state can only be implemented where there is no
second of GREEN
Admin-generated User PIN set up as described in the process above.
followed by one
second of BLUE User Forced Enrollment Security Warning:
When a drive is in the User Forced Enrollment state, it is essentially ed until a User PIN
Three Seconds of During Reset Process, indicates successful is established. Therefore, DO NOT load sensitive data onto the drive if User Forced Enroll-
Solid RED / GREEN resetting of cryptographic security parameters ment is to be implemented.

Unlocking the Key 1. Enter the Admin Mode by holding + 0 for five seconds; With RED LED blinking, enter the
Admin PIN and press the button. The BLUE LED will glow solidly.

1. Press the button to wake the key from sleep (as described above.) 2. Press 0 + 1 and the GREEN LED will blink three times, then will be replaced by BLUE
The RED LED will glow solidly. LED glowing solidly. Press the button to return the key to its locked state. The key is now
in User Forced Enrollment State, allowing a User to establish his own User PIN.
2. Enter either a User PIN or Admin PIN and press the button. If the PIN is accepted, the
GREEN LED will rapidly blink three times, then will slow down to one blink per second USER-GENERATED USER PIN IN FORCED ENROLLMENT STATE
until it’s plugged into a USB port, at which time will glow solidly. 1. Press and ensure that the BLUE and the GREEN LEDs are glowing solidly.
(If the PIN is incorrect, the RED LED will blink.)
2. Press + 1 and ensure that the BLUE LED continues glowing solidly while the GREEN
3. A blinking GREEN LED indicates that the key is unlocked and ready for use. The key is LED blinks. Enter the new User PIN and press the button. The GREEN LED will blink
now ready to plug into a USB port and will function as an external drive. If it’s not plugged three times by itself and then will be joined by the BLUE LED glowing solidly.
into a USB port within 30 seconds, the key will lock itself and return to its sleep state.
3. Within 30 seconds, enter that same User PIN once more, and press the button again.
Locking the Key This time, the GREEN LED will glow solidly for a few seconds, then the drive will return
to its locked state, indicated by the RED LED glowing solidly. The key’s data can now be
Press the LOCK button. When successfully locked, The RED LED will glow solidly, indicating accessed using either the User PIN or the Admin PIN.
that it’s in its standby state.
The Aegis Secure Key will not be recognized by the operating system while in its standby state.
Note: If data is still being written to the key, the Secure Key will wait until that operation is * Note: Default setting for minimum PIN length is 7 characters,
completed and then it will lock automatically. and a maximum of 16.
6 7
Deleting the User PIN Setting One-Time-Use Recovery PINs
You can delete the User PIN by doing the following: Gives the Admin the ability to set Recovery PINs that will allow a User to access data on the
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds. With the RED LED blinking, enter the Secure Key in the event of a forgotten PIN by creating a new state of User Forced Enrollment
Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will now glow solidly. in which a new User PIN can be established without wiping any data off of the drive. The
Admin can establish up to four one-time-use Recovery PINs. Once a Recovery PIN has been
2. Press the 7 + 8 buttons together for five seconds. The GREEN LED will blink three times and used to access the Secure Key, it will no longer be available. NOTE: The Recovery PIN will
then will be followed by the RED and BLUE LEDs blinking alternately. not unlock the device, but will place the Secure Key into a User Forced Enrollment state,
3. Press the 7 + 8 buttons together again for five seconds. The GREEN LED will glow solidly where the User can then establish a new User PIN and then access the Key’s data.
for two seconds. 1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds. With the RED LED blinking, enter the
4. The key will return to Admin mode indicated by the BLUE LED glowing solidly. Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will now glow solidly.
2. Press the + 8 buttons. The GREEN LED will blink three times by itself, and then will be
NOTE: Deleting the User PIN will also delete the Self-Destruct PIN as well as all recovery joined by a solid BLUE LED.
PINs (if any have been set.)
3. Enter the Recovery PIN and press the button. If PIN is accepted, the GREEN LED will blink

Changing the User PIN

three times.
4. Repeat by entering that same Recovery PIN and pressing the button again. If PIN is
The User PIN can be changed within the User mode (key unlocked, GREEN LED blinking) accepted for the final time, the GREEN LED will illuminate for a second or two and the device
will then return to the Admin mode indicated by a steady BLUE LED.
*Note: The Admin PIN cannot be changed while in the User mode. The Admin PIN can only
be changed from within the Admin mode; See below. 5. To add more Recovery PINs, repeat steps 2-4. When finished, press the button to return
You can change the User PIN by doing the following: Secure Key to its Standby mode.

1. Unlock the Aegis Secure Key with the User PIN. (The GREEN LED will blink)
2. Press the + 1 buttons together for five seconds (the RED LED will blink) Using a One-Time-Use Recovery PIN
3. Enter the current User PIN and press the button. (The BLUE LED will glow solidly Remember that using a Recovery PIN to set the Secure Key into User Forced Enrollment
and the GREEN LED will blink.) renders that PIN unavailable.
4. Enter the new User PIN and press the button (the GREEN LED will blink three 1. With the Secure Key in Standby mode, press and hold the + 7 buttons together for five
times, followed by the BLUE LED glowing solidly and the GREEN LED blinking.) seconds and release once the RED LED starts blinking.
5. Re-enter the new User PIN and press the button (the GREEN LED will glow solidly 2. Enter a recovery PIN (from Admin) and press the button. The GREEN LED will blink three
for two seconds, then will return to the User mode, indicated by the GREEN LED times by itself, and then will be joined by a solid BLUE LED indicating the Key is in User
blinking.) Forced Enrollment mode.

Changing the Admin PIN 3. Enter a new User PIN and press the
accepted.
button. The GREEN LED will blink three times if

Changes to the Admin PIN can only be made while the key is in the Admin mode. 4. Re-enter that same new User PIN and press the button again to verify it. If accepted, the
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with the RED LED blinking, enter BLUE LED will illuminate for a second or two, followed by the GREEN LED which will then
the Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly. be replaced by the RED LED glowing steadily, indicating that the device has returned to its
standby state. The contents of this drive will now be accessible using this new User PIN.
2. Press + 9. The BLUE LED will glow solidly and the GREEN LED will blink.
3. Enter the new Admin PIN and press the button. The GREEN LED will blink
three times.
4. Re-enter the new Admin PIN and press the button. The GREEN LED will glow solidly
for two seconds and then return to the Admin mode, indicated by the BLUE LED glowing
solidly.

8 9
Setting Read-Only or Read / Write Setting Read-Only or Read / Write
modes from Admin Mode From the User Mode
With a large number of viruses and Trojans that attach themselves to USB keys, this feature NOTE: When changing Read-Only or Read / Write settings, do not make these
is especially useful if you need to access data on the key when used in a public setting. changes with the key attached to an operating system. This may cause confusion
Additionally, Read-Only is an important feature for forensic applications, where data must be within the operating system about the proper status of the key and the key may not
preserved in its original, unaltered state and can’t be overwritten or modified. function properly until the operating system has been restarted.
The Admin can set the key to a Read-Only mode for both the Admin and the User. When set This mode will allow the User to set the Read / Write status of the key, without having
by the Admin, the Admin is the only one that can change the key back to Read / Write mode. access to the Admin functions.
When the key is unlocked in Read-Only mode and inserted into a USB port, the GREEN When the key is unlocked in Read-Only mode and inserted into a USB port, the RED
LED will glow solidly and the RED LED will blink once every three seconds. LED will blink once every three seconds while the GREEN LED will glow solidly.
To set the Key to Read-Only: If the key is set to be Read-Only in the Admin mode, the User cannot override that
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with RED LED blinking, enter the setting. Only the Admin can return the key to Read / Write Mode.
Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
2. Press and hold the r + o (7 + 6) buttons together for three seconds.
To Set the Key to Read-Only:
The GREEN LED will blink three times.
1. Press the button to wake the key. The RED LED will glow solidly.
3. The key will return to Admin mode. The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
2. Press the r + o (7 + 6) buttons together for three seconds.
4. Until changed, the key can only be read. The GREEN LED will blink three times.
To return the Key to Read / Write: 3. Enter the User / Admin PIN and press . The GREEN LED will blink.
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with the RED LED blinking, enter the 4. The Key will be in a Read-Only state the next time it is unlocked.
Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
2. Press and hold the r + w (7+ 9) buttons together; the GREEN LED will blink three times. To Return the Key to Read / Write:
3. The key will return to Admin mode, indicated by the BLUE LED glowing solidly and the key
1. Press the button to wake the key. The RED LED will glow solidly.
will be restored to its normal Read / Write condition.
2. Press the r + w (7+ 9) buttons together for three seconds.
Important Note The GREEN LED will blink three times.
Setting the key to Read/Write from the Admin mode will globally override a Read- 3. Enter the User / Admin PIN and press .
Only mode that has been set by the User. The GREEN LED will glow solidly.
4. Key will return to unlocked mode and can now be written to, indicated by the blinking
GREEN LED.

Important Note
Setting the key to Read/ Write from the User mode will not override a
Read-Only setting that was placed by the Admin.
To set the key to be in Read-Only mode for both the User and the Admin, set
the Read-Only Mode using the Admin function.

10 11
Setting LED Flicker / Button Press Indicator Setting a Self-Destruct PIN
Creates a flickering effect in LED lights indicating positive button presses For certain users, it’s important to have a “last-resort” level of security where sensitive data
falling into the wrong hands must be avoided. The Secure Key’s Self-Destruct PIN defends
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 buttons for five seconds – with RED LED blinking, against physically compromising situations by erasing the key’s contents, leaving it to look
enter the Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly. as if it never had any data written to it. *USE WITH CAUTION* When this mode is activated
2. Once in the Admin mode, press 0 + 3 together to enable LED Flicker mode. and the key is unlocked with the Self-Destruct PIN, it will effectively perform a crypto-erase
on the key, deleting all of its data. Additionally, the encryption key will be deleted and a new
3. To disable LED Flicker mode, (while in Admin mode) press the 0 + 4 buttons together.
encryption key will be created to take its place. When this Self-Destruct PIN is deployed,
the key will unlock and the GREEN LED will glow solidly as if the key is being normally
unlocked. The key, however, will need to be partitioned and formatted before it can be used
Setting Minimum PIN Length Requirement again. The previous Admin and User codes will be deleted in the crypto-erase and the Self-
Destruct PIN will then become the new Admin PIN to unlock the key.
The Secure Key’s minimum PIN length default setting is 7, however, for greater security, a The Self-Destruct PIN can be set by either the Admin or the User. If the Admin sets the
longer minimum PIN setting of up to 16 characters can be implemented. Self-Destruct PIN, only the Admin can disable or change the PIN. If the User sets the Self-
Destruct PIN, both the User and the Admin can change or overwrite the PIN.
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with RED LED blinking, enter the Note: The Self-Destruct PIN must be different from the Admin PIN and User PIN.
Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
2. Press the + 4 buttons; The RED LED will blink. 1. By default, the Self-Destruct feature is disabled. To allow the Secure Key to be set with
a Self-Destruct PIN, Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with RED
3. Pressing two digits, enter the new minimum PIN length; e.g.: 08 = 8 characters, 11 = 11 LED blinking, enter the Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow
characters, etc. solidly.
4. If accepted, the GREEN LED will blink three times and the Secure Key will return to the 2. Press the 7 + 4 buttons together*. The GREEN LED will blink three times and at this
Admin mode, indicated by the BLUE LED glowing solidly. If the numeric entry is below point, the Self Destruct PIN can now be set by the Admin while the Key is in the Admin
07, or greater than 16, the RED LED will blink three times indicating entry error and your mode, or it can be set up at another time by the User (after the Key is unlocked with the
command will not be accepted. User PIN) with the following steps.

Setting the Unattended Auto-Lock Feature 3. Press + 3 for five seconds. The RED and BLUE LEDs will blink alternately.
4. Enter the Self-Destruct PIN and press . The GREEN LED will blink three times and
To protect against unauthorized access if the key is unlocked and unattended, the Aegis then will return to RED and BLUE LEDs blinking alternately.
Secure Key can be set to automatically lock after a predetermined period of inactivity. In its
default state, the Aegis Secure Key’s Unattended Auto-Lock feature is turned off. 5. Re-enter the Self-Destruct PIN and press . The GREEN LED will momentarily glow
The Unattended Auto-Lock can be set to activate after 5, 10 or 20 minutes of inactivity. steadily and then will return to either the Admin mode (indicated by the BLUE LED
glowing steadily) or the unlocked state if created by User.
To set the Unattended Auto-Lock, perform the following steps:
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with RED LED blinking, enter the *NOTE: To disable / discard a Self-Destruct PIN, Press the 7 + 4 buttons together for
Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly. a second or two; successful disablement / removal will be indicated by three RED LED
blinks. To re-enable the Self-Destruct PIN mode, press the 7 + 4 buttons again and
2. Once in the Admin mode, press + 6. three GREEN LED blinks will indicate that it’s ready to accept a new Self-Destruct PIN.
The RED and BLUE LEDs will blink alternately. Repeat steps 3 through 5.
3. Press one of the numbers below that corresponds to the amount of inactivity you would
like the key to lock itself:
0 = OFF (The Default is OFF for this feature.)
1 = 5 minutes
2 = 10 minutes
3 = 20 minutes
4. After you have entered the desired amount of allowable inactivity, the GREEN LED will
blink three times indicating command acceptance, and then will return to the Admin
mode, indicated by the BLUE LED glowing solidly.

12 13
Aegis Secure Key Brute-Force Protection Performing a Complete Reset
What is Brute-Force Attack? NOTE: A complete reset will erase encryption keys and PINs and leave the Secure Key in an
unformatted condition.
A Brute-Force Attack is a means of breaching a cryptographic data defense scheme by
systematically running an astronomical number of decryption possibilities. With AES 256 There may be circumstances (forgotten PIN, redeployment, return to factory default settings)
having never been cracked, the data stored on a Secure Key is going to be more than when you need to completely reset the key. The complete reset feature will perform a
well-protected against brute-force. But brute-force attacks aren’t necessarily aimed at the crypto-erase on the key, generate a new encryption key, delete all users, and return all of the
bulk of the data itself, but rather, at the drive’s access PINs. After all, PINs are usually settings to factory default.
the weakest links of any data protection plan, and as such, PINs are essentially all that a
brute-force attack needs to decrypt. To perform a complete reset of the key, perform the following:

1. Press and hold + LOCK + 2 together for ten seconds.

The RED and BLUE LEDs will blink alternately.
Brute-Force Feature 2. The GREEN and RED LEDs will glow solidly for several seconds, followed by the
GREEN LED glowing solidly for several seconds, followed finally by the GREEN and
1. After three unsuccessful attempts, the Aegis Secure Key will add additional time BLUE LEDs glowing solidly which indicates that the reset is complete.
delays to each subsequent try thereafter. The RED LED will blink the number of failed
3. A new Admin PIN will need to be entered and the key will need to be reformatted.
attempts after three, all the way up to the tenth (and final) try.
2. After up to ten unsuccessful attempts, the keypad will lock up, no functions will work,
and the RED LED will blink at a rate of three flashes per second.
3. From this point, the key will only allow up to ten additional attempts before the key
assumes that it is under brute-force attack and automatically deletes all of its data.
4. To gain these ten extra attempts, press and hold the 5 button and then press the
button until the RED and GREEN LEDs blink alternately.
5. Enter the code “LastTry” (5278879) and press the button.
--You will now have ten additional attempts.
6. When the key is successfully unlocked, the Brute-Force counter will return to zero.
The number of attempts possible, both before and after the LastTry (5278879) code is
entered, can be set (in Admin Mode) between two and ten attempts.
Setting the before/after attempts to the minimum of two would allow for a total of four
attempts (two before entering the last try code and two after.)
To reduce the number of Brute-Force attempts:
1. Enter the Admin mode. (Hold + 0 for five seconds – with the RED LED blinking, enter
the Admin PIN and press the button.) The BLUE LED will glow solidly.
3. Press and hold the + 5 button for three seconds.
The RED LED will double-blink.
4. Press the number of before/after attempts desired on the numeric keypad ( 2 - 9 .)
The GREEN LED will blink the same number of times to correspond to the number
you have entered (for example: the 8 button will result in eight blinks, and yield eight
attempts before the LastTry code and another eight attempts after, yielding a total
of 16.) To return the key to its default setting, press the 1 then 0 keys to change the
number back to ten attempts.

Note: The number of before and after attempts are the same, i.e., 4 before / 4 after,
8 before / 8 after, etc.

14 15
Initializing and Formatting the Hibernating, Suspending, or
Aegis Secure Key After a Complete Reset Logging Off from the Operating System
A complete reset of the Aegis Secure Key will erase all information and partition Be sure to save and close all the files on your Aegis Secure Key before hibernating,
settings. You will need to initialize and format the Aegis Secure Key again after reset. suspending, or logging off from the Windows operating system.
To initialize your Aegis Secure Key, perform the following steps:
1. After a complete reset, press + 9. It is recommended that you lock the Aegis Secure Key manually before hibernating,
The BLUE LED will glow solidly and the GREEN LED will be blinking. suspending, or logging off from your system.
2. Enter the new Admin PIN and press the button. If accepted, the GREEN LED
will quickly blink three times, then return to the BLUE LED glowing solidly and
To log off the Aegis Secure Key, double-click Safely Remove Hardware on the
the GREEN LED blinking.
Windows desktop and remove the Aegis Secure Key from your computer.
3. Re-enter the Admin PIN and press the button. If accepted, the GREEN LED
will be solid for two seconds.
Attention: To ensure the data integrity of your Aegis Secure Key, be sure to lock or
4. The BLUE LED will glow solidly for 30 seconds (or until the button is pressed,
log off your Aegis Secure Key if you are:
which will return the key to its standby state.)
• Away from your computer
5. The Admin PIN is now set and will allow access to the key or the Admin features.
• Using the switching user function by sharing a computer with others
6. To unlock the key, enter the new Admin PIN and press .
7. Windows 7 and earlier: Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage from
the Windows desktop.
Windows 8, 8.1, or 10: Right-click left corner of desktop and select Disk
Management. Aegis Secure Key Setup for Mac OS ®

8. In the Computer Manage window, click Disk Management. In the Disk

Management window, the Aegis Secure Key is recognized as an unknown
device that is uninitialized and unallocated.
Your Aegis Secure Key is pre-formatted in NTFS for Windows. To reformat the key to
9. Perform the following to make the key recognizable as a basic key. a Mac compatible format please perform the following:
• If the Initialize and Convert Disk Wizard window opens, click Cancel and
initialize the disk manually using the following steps: Once the key is unlocked, open Disk Utility from Applications/Utilities/Disk Utilities.
a. Right-click Unknown Disk and then select Initialize Disk.
To format the Aegis Secure Key:
b. In the Initialize Disk window, click OK.
10. Right-click in the blank area under the Unallocated section, and then select New 1. Select the Aegis Secure Key from the list of keys and volumes. Each key in
Partition or New SImple Volume (depending on your OS.) The Welcome to the the list will display its capacity, manufacturer, and product name, such as 232.9
New Partition Wizard window opens. Apricorn Secure Key.

11. Click Next. 2. Click the Erase tab.

12. Select Primary Partition and then click Next.
3. Enter a name for the key. The default name is Untitled. The key’s name will
13. If you need only one partition, accept the default partition size by clicking Next. eventually appear on the desktop.

14. Click Next. 4. Select a volume format to use. The Volume Format dropdown menu lists the
available key formats that the Mac supports. The recommended format type is
15. Create a volume label, select Perform a quick format, and then click Next. Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)

16. Click Finish. 5. Click the Erase button. Disk Utility will unmount the volume from the desktop,
erase it, and then remount it on the desktop.
17. Wait until the format process is complete. The Aegis Secure Key will be
recognized and available for use.
16 17
Diagnostic Mode Lock-Override Mode

The keypad has a manual diagnostic mode built-in to verify proper keypad Certain users may encounter a case where they need the key to remain
function and troubleshooting key issues. This mode will not allow access to unlocked during a reboot, passing the key through a virtual machine or other
any data or admin function. It can only be used to identify the firmware level similar situation which, under normal circumstances, would cause the key to
and to test button recognition. lock. To help facilitate this use case, “Lock-Override Mode” will allow the key
To enter the diagnostic function: to remain unlocked through USB port re-enumeration and will not lock again
until USB power is interrupted.
1. From standby mode, press + 1, release, then press and continue to
hold the 0 button as the RED and BLUE LEDs blink alternately. Once all NOTE: When in this mode, the key is vulnerable to being moved from one
three LEDs illuminate solidly, release the 0 button. computer and connected to another computer provided USB power is
2. The BLUE LED will blink a number of times to represent the number of both uninterrupted. Due to this vulnerability, we strongly recommend this mode be
the major and minor revisions. The decimal point will be represented by a used ONLY in circumstances where the key can be physically secured (as in
single RED LED blink. Upon completion, the BLUE LED will glow solidly. a locked Server Room) or in a place where it can be visually monitored while
(Example: VERSION 4.1 would be indicated by four BLUE LED blinks, one in this mode. Use of a powered hub or a Y-cable increases this security risk.
RED LED blink, one BLUE LED blink, and one RED LED blink, then revert Always return the key to the default Lock-Override Mode OFF when
to the BLUE LED glowing solidly.) returning to normal service.

3. To check the keypad’s button functionality, press each button and the To set the “Lock-Override” to On:
number of the button pressed will be expressed by the RED LED blinking.
1. Enter the Admin Mode (Press and hold + 0 for five seconds until the
(Example: 1 Button= 1 blink, 2 Button = 2 blinks, 3 Button = 3 blinks...
RED LED blinks, then enter the Admin code and press the button. The
0 Button = 10 blinks, Button = 11 blinks, Button = 12 blinks.)
BLUE LED will glow solidly.)
4. To exit the Diagnostic Mode, wait for the 20 second timeout or hold the
Button for ~7 seconds to return the key to its normal operation. 2. Press and hold 7 + 1 for three seconds. The GREEN LED will blink three
times, then the BLUE LED will glow solidly.
Self-Diagnostics:
During the initial power up, after the key has been plugged into a USB port, 3. When the key is unlocked and attached to a USB port in “Lock-Override
the key will perform self-diagnostics on the encryption algorithm and critical Mode”, the BLUE LED will blink once every three seconds to alert you
hardware components. If the RED LED blinks at a rate of one blink per that “Lock-Override” mode is active.
second for 15 seconds, returns to standby and will not unlock, unplug the
key from USB port and try again. If the RED LED continues to blink in the Note: If “Unattended Auto-Lock” mode has been turned on, “Lock-Override”
manner mentioned above and won’t unlock upon USB re-insertion, a critical will not override it; the key will lock itself upon reaching the selected amount
component has failed and the key can no longer function. of inactivity. If you need the key to stay unlocked, Enter the Unattended
Auto-Lock Feature and set the lock timer to “0” (0 = OFF) See Page 10.
If the key blinks a triple-RED LED pattern that is repeated every two
seconds when unlocked, a failure has occurred that will not immediately To turn Lock-Override Mode off and return to normal operation:
stop the device from working nor affect the security of the device, but
should be considered as a warning that the device needs to be replaced in 4. Enter the Admin Mode (Press and hold + 0 for five seconds until the
the near future. Additionally, Admin features may be limited in this mode. RED LED blinks. Then enter the Admin code and press the button. The
BLUE LED will glow solidly.)
If either condition should appear, remove the key from the USB port and
allow the key to go to sleep, and try to unlock the key again. The event of 5. Press the 7 + 0 together until the GREEN LED blinks three times. The
either diagnostic failure will be very rare, but if the key cannot recover, it BLUE LED will glow steadily.
must be replaced.
6. To verify, unlock the key in User mode and check that the BLUE LED is
no longer blinking.
18 19
Troubleshooting
Q: The key seems warm to the touch, is this normal?

This section contains troubleshooting information for the Aegis Secure Key. If you A: Yes. The SSD in the case runs hotter than a standard flash key. The cooling
encounter any of the following problems when using the Aegis Secure Key, refer to
features use the case to dissipate the heat.
the corresponding answers.
Q: Is there any way to recover my data if I forget the PIN?
Q: What can I do if I forget the User PIN?
A: If an Admin PIN has been previously set, the Admin PIN can be used to unlock
A: Use the Admin PIN to enter the Admin Mode and create another User PIN or (if
the key and recover the data. Additionally, if recovery PINs have been set and
programmed at configuration) utilize one of the data recovery PINs programmed
haven’t been previously depleted in the past (up to 4x) you can access the data
into the device to create a state of User forced enrollment. Once a new user PIN is
on your drive using this route. If you don’t have any recovery PINs set or they’re
created, the User will regain access the device’s data.
depleted, and do not have an Admin PIN, the data cannot be recovered but the key
can be reset with new PINs and it can then be used again.
Q: What can I do if I forget the Admin PIN?
Q: Why does the LED indicate an error when I try to change the PIN?
A: In the case of forgotten Admin and User PINs, if data recovery PINs were
programmed into the drive at the time of setup, then you can use one of them to
A: PIN requirements for this key must meet a minimum security level. There
create a state of User Forced Enrollment and generate a new User PIN to gain
are several combinations that are not allowed, such as repeating numbers or
access to (and back up) the drive’s contents. Once complete, you must then perform
sequential numbers. The PIN must be a minimum of seven digits, and not longer
a complete reset of the Aegis Secure Key where all PINs and data will be erased and
than 16 digits.
you will need to reconfigure / reformat the Aegis Secure Key, creating a new Admin
PIN which will allow you to reload the previously backed-up data onto the device.
Q: What are the ECCN and HST codes used for shipping this device outside
of the United States?
Q: Why did the operating system not recognize the Aegis Secure Key, after I did
a complete re-set of the drive?
A: ECCN: 5A992.c and HTS code 8473.50.3000
A: You need to initialize, allocate and format the Aegis Secure Key manually. For
more information, refer to Initializing and Formatting the Aegis Secure Key After a
Complete Reset in this manual.

Q: How do I use the Aegis Secure Key without a PIN?

A: As a full disk encryption product, the Aegis Secure Key can never be used without
a PIN.

Q: What encryption algorithm is used in this product?

A: The Aegis Secure Key uses AES 256-bit algorithm.

Q: Why could I not initialize, partition, or format the Aegis Secure Key?

A: Ensure that you have administrator privileges. You will need Admin privileges to
use the Disk Management Utility.

Q: The LED is blinking RED and I can’t enter a code. Why?

A: Somebody has tried to access the key and the code has been entered 10 times
incorrectly (see Brute Force section of this manual.)

20 21
Technical Support Quick Reference Guide for
Apricorn provides the following helpful resources for you: Programming Key Combinations
1. Apricorn’s Website (http://www.apricorn.com)
Standby Mode
This gives you the ability to check for up-to-date information
• 7+6 = Read-Only On
2. E-mail us at [email protected]
• 7+9 = Read-Only Off
3. Or call the Technical Support Department at 1-800-458-5448
• +1 then hold 0 = Diagnostic Mode
Apricorn’s Technical Support Specialists are available from
User Mode
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday
• + 1 = Enter User PIN (from forced enrollment state)

• + 3 = Set Self-Destruct PIN

Warranty and RMA information ADMIN Mode

• + 0 = Enter Admin Mode
Three Year Limited Warranty:
Apricorn offers a 3-year limited warranty on the Aegis Secure Key against defects in • + 1 = Create User PIN
materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty period is effective from the
date of purchase either directly from Apricorn or an authorized reseller. • + 2 = not used

Disclaimer and terms of the warranties: • + 3 = Set Self Destruct PIN Admin or User setup
THE WARRANTY BECOMES EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE OF PURCHASE AND MUST BE VERIFIED
WITH YOUR SALES RECEIPT OR INVOICE DISPLAYING THE DATE OF PRODUCT PURCHASE. • + 4 = Set Minimum PIN length

APRICORN WILL, AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE, REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS • + 5 = Set Brute Force Attempts
WITH NEW PARTS OR SERVICEABLE USED PARTS THAT ARE EQUIVALENT TO NEW IN
PERFORMANCE. ALL EXCHANGED PARTS AND PRODUCTS REPLACED UNDER THIS • + 6 = Auto Lock
WARRANTY WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF APRICORN.
• + 7 = Set Recovery PIN
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY PRODUCT NOT PURCHASED DIRECTLY
FROM APRICORN OR AN AUTHORIZED RESELLER OR TO ANY PRODUCT THAT HAS BEEN • + 8 = 1X Use to Enter Recovery PIN
DAMAGED OR RENDERED DEFECTIVE: 1. AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENT, MISUSE, NEGLECT,
ABUSE OR FAILURE AND/OR INABILITY TO FOLLOW THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED • + 9 = Enter / Change Admin PIN
IN THIS INSTRUCTION GUIDE: 2. BY THE USE OF PARTS NOT MANUFACTURED OR SOLD
BY APRICORN; 3. BY MODIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT; OR 4. AS A RESULT OF SERVICE, • 7+1 = Turn Lock Override On
ALTERNATION OR REPAIR BY ANYONE OTHER THAN APRICORN AND SHALL BE VOID. THIS
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. • 7+0 = Turn Lock Override Off

NO OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OR • 7+ 4 = Disable / Enable Self-Destruct PIN
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, HAS BEEN OR WILL BE
MADE BY OR ON BEHALF OF APRICORN OR BY OPERATION OF LAW WITH RESPECT TO THE • 7+6 = Read-Only On
PRODUCT OR ITS INSTALLATION, USE, OPERATION, REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR.
• 7+9 = Read-Only Off
APRICORN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE BY VIRTUE OF THIS WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE, FOR
ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE INCLUDING ANY LOSS OF • 7+8 = Erase User and Self-Destruct PIN’s
DATA RESULTING FROM THE USE OR OPERATION OF THE PRODUCT, WHETHER OR NOT
APRICORN WAS APPRISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. • 0+1 = Set Forced-Enrollment for User

• 0+3 = Turn On LED Flicker When Entering PIN from Standby

• 0+4 = Turn Off LED Flicker When Entering PIN from Standby

22