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Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-500F)
Apricorn

Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-500F)

Bottom line: The Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated ($204.65 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 04:21 UTC): FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated with 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption; main trade-off: spinning hard drive, not SSD, so it lags flash-based secure storage.

$204.65

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Buy on Amazon — $204.65 Compare to similar external storage

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For external drives and portable storage, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated with 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption
  • ✓ Keypad PIN entry means zero software install on any OS
  • ✓ Integrated USB cable stows on the drive, so no cable to lose
  • ✓ USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface, not the older 2.0 on cheaper secure drives
  • ✓ Separate admin PIN plus 4 user PINs for shared or IT-managed use

Cons

  • ✗ Spinning hard drive, not SSD, so it lags flash-based secure storage
  • ✗ Keypad adds bulk versus a bare 2.5-inch portable enclosure
  • ✗ Water and dust resistant only, with no stated IP rating in the listing

Manufacturer description

Aegis Padlock Fortress combines the highest level of data security, FIPS 140-2 Level 2 and the fastest USB 3.0 interface for uncompromising security and performance. With an easy-to-use keypad and no software installation for setup or operation and the ability to run on any platform, the Aegis Padlock Fortress is ideal for any environment. The Fortress can be configured with independent Admin and User PIN’s. This allows the user to access the drive with their own unique PIN and the Administrator the ability to access the drive if the user leaves or to set a new PIN number should the user…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Apricorn's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • 256-bit AES XTS Hardware Encryption
  • Super Speed USB 3.0
  • Software Free
  • Integrated USB Cable
  • Water and Dust resistant
  • Key Pad Pin access

Full Specifications

BrandApricorn
ColorBlack
Model NameFortress
Read Speed625 megabytes_per_second
Unit Count1 Count
Form Factor2.5-inch
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberA25-3PL256-500F
Built-In MediaStorage
Hard-Drive Size500 GB
Mfr Part NumberA25-3PL256-500F
Number of Items1
Special FeatureDust Resistant,Water
Hardware PlatformMac, PC
Installation TypeExternal Hard Drive
Compatible DevicesWindows, Mac and Linux Requires USB port
Data Transfer Rate120 megabits_per_second
Enclosure MaterialAluminum, Glass, Or Ceramic
Additional FeaturesDust Resistant,Water
Hard Disk InterfaceUSB 3.0

Ready to buy?

Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-500F) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $204.65

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.

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Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-500F)
$204.65
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