Authentication Using Symmetric Key Encryption

Mar 29, 2024

Article

This blog post explains symmetric authentication and demonstrates how to authenticate a device, like a medical disposable, using a Microchip ATECC608 CryptoAuthentication IC on the host and a Datakey CryptoAuthentication memory token (included with the disposable). After walking through the steps to authenticate the device, the end of the article provides links to resources to learn more (dev kit, lab, manual/documentation, video, etc.)

Protect Your Operational Technology Network from Outside Threats with a Proprietary USB Drive Format

Sep 23, 2022

Article

Threats to operational technology – equipment that monitors and controls industrial processes – via USB drives are growing. One possible solution to mitigating these threats is using non-standard, proprietary USB drives.

EEPROM on a Stick

Sep 9, 2022

Article

Inspired by all the tasty foods that come on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair, Datakey product manager, Paul Plitzuweit, describes the extended length SlimLine memory token as an "EEPROM on a stick".

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Jun 23, 2022

Article

A Russian-made crypto ignition key (CIK) was mistakingly identified as a Datakey CIK, straightened out with the help of the online Crypto Museum website that originally noticed the key online.

Securely storing and updating product configuration data – a case study featuring Delta Computer Systems

Mar 28, 2022

Article

Forget sending out a technician or new hardware – use a custom Datakey memory token utilizing a Microchip CryptoAuthentication IC to load new features, also ensuring that a customer’s purchased configuration can be securely stored and later updated.

CryptoAuthentication in our Daily Lives – Efficient and Secure Management of Purchased Digital Credits

Feb 21, 2022

Article

The rate at which cyber attacks are taking place only seems to be growing. As enhanced methods of security continue to be devised and implemented, secure memory ICs are increasingly being integrated into the products prevalent in the environments in which we live.

No Room for Error – Accurately Pairing Wireless Medical Devices with a Physical Token

Jan 31, 2022

Article

There are many possible applications for the pairing of wireless products in our world – especially in mission-critical situations requiring absolute certainty in pairing. Using a portable memory device is an intuitive way to positively pair up transmitter and receiver(s) and could be an option in your design.

Curiosity Killed the Network – Beating the Security Risks of BadUSB with a Non-standard USB Port

Jan 20, 2022

Article

USB ports on embedded devices are handy, but cause security holes in an infrastructure. Datakey's alternative to decades-old USB port design improves security through a non-standard design.

Datakey Turns 45 Years Old Today!

Apr 27, 2021

Article

Founder of Datakey, Bill Flies, Dies at 78

Apr 1, 2021

Article

Only a tiny number of people have the right stuff to create a successful business and brand that lasts for decades. Bill Flies was such a person. Bill Flies (pronounced “fleece”) founded Datakey in the mid-1970’s and was one of the early pioneers of solid-state portable memory.

75 years of technology innovation: ATEK Companies continues growth

Jan 28, 2021

Article

Not All SD Cards Are Created Equal

Jun 6, 2018

Article

How can embedded system manufacturers make sure their users don't use unsupported or counterfeit SD cards? It's a challenge when the cards look legit and plug-in.

You Just Bricked Hundreds of Devices. Now What?

Dec 20, 2017

Article

An over-the-air (OTA) update just bricked hundreds of remote devices. Now what? This blog looks at various Plan B options to consider before the unthinkable happens.

RUGGEDrive Torture Test Video

Dec 21, 2016

Article

Who doesn’t love a good product torture test video? Watch what happens when a 120,000-pound tank runs over a USB flash drive, an SD card and a Datakey RUGGEDrive memory token.

Thwarting Elbonians with Proprietary Memory Devices

Jul 7, 2016

Article

Elbonians demonstrate the effectiveness and benefit of using a memory device (with SD card or USB flash drive functionality) with a non-standard/proprietary form factor.