electronica 2024
Dec 17, 2024
Article
Have you ever wondered why the electronica trade fair spells electronica with a lowercase "e". Datakey product manager, Paul Plitzuweit, decided to investigate.
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.
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.
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.