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General Questions and Answers

SafeStick is a hardware-encrypted USB flash drive developed to solve the security issues of portable storage devices.

The most common questions about SafeStick:

  • 1. What is SafeStick? Or what is a safestick?

    SafeStick is a secure USB flash drive. It automatically password-protects and encrypts all stored information. Replace your USB sticks with SafeSticks and assure information security at all times.

    SafeStick is a BlockMaster world-wide registered brand but has by many people become synonym with a secure USB flash drive.


  • 2. What is SafeStick SuperSonic?

    For demanding users who require the very fastest performance, SafeStick SuperSonic is the ultra-fast speed edition of the proven SafeStick technology. SuperSonic has different internal hardware components, which pushes USB 2.0 performance to the absolute limit. Up to 23Mbyte/s for write and 33Mbyte/s for read, providing lightning speed transfers of files.


  • 3. What is SafeStick FIPS?

    SafeStick FIPS will soon be the latest addition to the SafeStick family. SafeStick FIPS has all the same features as SafeStick but has different internal hardware components, which are FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated. SafeStick FIPS contains the BM-C1000 cryptographic module which is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated, Cert #1555.

    Expected release: Any day now.


    Note: SafeStick and SafeStick SuperSonic are not FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated.

  • 4. Why would I need an encrypted USB Memory Stick?

    Each year thousands, upon thousands, of unsecure USB drives are lost every day. The data stored on these drives are completely exposed and will risk organisation brand value, business partner relationships, users’ employment and will mean non-compliance to local information legislation.


    With SafeStick secure USB drive your information is safeguarded. All your data is always password-protected and encrypted within the hardware. A lost device is merely a lost device, your data is safe and no breach will ever occur. If a lost SafeStick later on is found you can be 100% sure that the data is intact and has not been read or manipulated by anyone. Just plug it into the user computer and it is automatically “Found” and ready to work for you again. This saves money from day one as data breaches and surrounding routines and procedures are all costly. Not to mention the headaches you will avoid for all involved.

SafeStick Usage questions:

  • 1. What happens if a user forgets the password for SafeStick?

    It is not possible in any way to get access to stored information without the correct password. There are no back-doors and tests by independent security labs and customers have confirmed this over and over again. It is statistically and technically impossible to retrieve data.


    However, there are two options to continue:

    1. If an organisation has SafeConsole USB Management deployed it is possible to perform a password reset if the SafeStick password is forgotten. The procedure credentials are unique for each organization and are handled with a secure PKI-based challenge response procedure that is protected against social hacking. No information is lost and the user is securely back to work in minutes. The password reset can be handled over phone, email or in person.

    2. If SafeConsole is not installed the SafeStick needs to be factory reset. This procedure does not require administrator privileges except for the SafeStick BM7741 on Windows XP computers. All stored data will be wiped and cannot be recreated by any means available as the storage is completely reset and the encryption keys are destroyed/renewed.

    It is encouraged that the user chooses a password hint during the quick SafeStick setup.

  • 2. How tough is SafeStick? Will it break?

    SafeStick is a small device but it is also extremely tough and rugged.

    Some of the things SafeStick have proven to withstand:

    • Repeated rolling over by a 2500lb V8 Range Rover.
    • Repeated full washing machine cycles at the highest temperature.
    • 30 seconds of red-hot angle grinder sparks.
    • A whack with a 10lb sledge iron smith hammer.

    On YouTube there are several videos displaying SafeStick under extreme conditions.

Technical questions:

If you need more technical information or if you are having trouble with your SafeStick, please review our Troubleshoot & Get Help page »

Other useful questions:

  • 1. Can SafeStick be managed in a Corporate Environment?
    SafeConsole allows you to manage hundreds of thousands of SafeStick drives wherever they may be in the world.

    SafeConsole is rapidly deployed and provides optional Windows Active Directory integration, full management capabilities, complete device life-cycle management, assignment of policies and features dependant on AD membership, remote reset of passwords, compliant auditing, remote wiping of rogue sticks and much more.

  • 2. Is SafeStick Government approved / what certification does it have?

    Yes.  SafeStick has received the UK Government approval via the CESG CCTM (Claims Tested Mark) scheme.

    "This represents a welcome first for CCTM to list a certificated USB Flash Drive product", says Peter Hayes, Head of the CCTM Secretariat ISC. "We know there are many parts of the wider public sector where handling data classified below the RESTRICTED level brings uncertainties. It is vital that people are using approved products coupled with appropriate procurement decisions, risk management and strong procedural measures. With SafeStick now carrying the CCTM certificate, part of that now becomes a lot easier", say Hayes.

    SafeStick also features FIPS 197 AES certification for the encryption technology. See #825 on the FIPS website.


    SafeStick FIPS meets the FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Standard.

    Read more about our certifications »
  • 3. What is SafeConsoleReady?

    The purpose of the SafeConsoleReady program is to create value for the customers and display the possibilities that present themselves with a great device management platform.

    The SafeConsole ecosystem is filled with SafeConsoleReady technology partners that have ensured that their products works perfect with SafeConsole. When certified by BlockMaster, these products get the mark SafeConsoleReady and customers can know by a glance that it is a perfect fit.

    SafeConsoleReady partners can jack into the API for the devices and the REST interface for the server to provide customers with powerful solution with ease.


    Currently there are three product categories within the SafeConsoleReady program:
    • SafeConsoleReady Servers
    • SafeConsoleReady Devices
    • SafeConsoleReady Applications

    Learn more about SafeConsoleReady on the SafeConsole website »
  • 4. What does Smart USB drive mean?

    SafeStick is, like all SafeConsoleReady Devices, a Smart USB drive. These devices are under SafeConsole management control out of the box or can be put under SafeConsole management control. They are the next generation of USB storage and are often called “smart USB drives” because they can act as laptop replacements that run virtual desktops and also provide the level of security that today’s threat landscape demands. Smart USB drives are are fully transcending the limitations of old, standard USB storage, defining a new baseline in regards of security and productivity.

  • 5. Where can I BUY SafeStick?

    SafeStick is no longer in production. There might still be some left over stock in your country. If you are interested in buying SafeStick, please contact sales@blockmastersecurity.com.