The CUIMC IT Service Desk often stocks Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ brand hardware encrypted USB keys for sale to students, staff and faculty. Instructions here will help with setting up and using one.

More options for encrypted keys, drives and other media that complies with CUIMC data protection requirements can be found on the Approved Encryption page. For bulk or departmental purchases please use the Columbia Purchasing Department's Computer Equipment page or speak to your supervisor.

Using the Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ USB key

The hardware encrypted Kingston DataTraveler drive will prompt you to pick a strong password when you first connect it to a computer. This password will be then required whenever you connect the drive to a computer.

If the correct password is not entered after 10 attempts in a row (even if you plug and unplug the drive on any computer), the drive will automatically reformat and permanently delete all data. Be sure to select something that you will remember, and do not give this password to others in accordance with CUIMC requirements. If you must share an encrypted file use another approved method such as email or individual file encryption listed under Other Removable Storage.

Set Up a Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ Drive

NOTE: Some Kingston drives may need to install an update before working with Macintosh, if you experience issues see this FAQ for assistance.

1. Connect the DataTraveler drive to a USB port on your computer. Kingston recommends that the drive is connect to a port directly on a computer itself rather than a peripheral (keyboard, USB hub) to provide adequate power.
2. Windows computers will see an AutoPlay window appear. Double-click Run DTLplus_Launcher.exe. If you do not see AutoPlay or are on a Macintosh computer, browse to the drive to initiate setup. Windows users should double-click the DTLplus_Launcher; Macintosh users should select the Mac folder on the mounted DTL+... drive, then DTLplus_Laucher.
3. The DataTraveler Device Initialization window will appear. Make sure your preferred language is selected and click the Next button in the lower right.
4. In the License Agreement window, make sure Accept is selected and click the Next button in the lower right.
5. Type your desired strong password for the USB drive in both the Password and Password Confirmation fields.
   • As stated in the Password window, it must be between 6 and 16 characters and contain at least 3 of the following: upper case letters, lower case letters, digits and special characters.
   • Do not forget the password you select. If you forget it in the future, the drive will re-format itself and destroy all data on it after 10 consecutive bad attempts.
   
6. If desired, type a word or short phrase that will help you remember the password in the Hint field. It cannot be an exact match to the password.
7. Click the Next button in the lower right.
8. Type in your name, company and any desired details in the appropriate fields of the Contact Information window. The fields cannot contain the password selected in step 5.
9. The drive will take a few moment to format and will display Format Complete when done. Click the OK button in the lower right.
   IMPORTANT: Some DataTraveler models will prompt to set up a USB to Cloud back up. If you might put any any confidential or sensitive data on the USB key - even temporarily - be sure to select DECLINE. The Cloud vendor has not been approved as required by University policy.

Your DataTraveler USB drive is now ready for use. Be sure to follow instructions at the bottom of this page to safely eject the drive before you physically remove it from the computer.  Improper shut down before ejecting can cause file and data corruption.

Using the DataTraveler Hardware Encrypted USB Drive

1. Connect your drive to a USB port on the computer. Kingston recommends using a port directly on a computer itself rather than a peripheral (keyboard, USB hub) to provide adequate power.
2. Windows computers will see an AutoPlay window appear. Double-click Run DTLplus_Launcher.exe. If you do not see AutoPlay or are on a Macintosh computer, browse to the drive to initiate setup. Windows users should double-click the DTLplus_Launcher; Macintosh users should select the Mac folder on the mounted DTL+... drive, then DTLplus_Laucher.
   NOTE: Some Kingston drives may need to install an update before working with Macintosh, if you experience issues see this FAQ for assistance.
3. Type in your password and click Login in the lower right to access the drive.
   • Links below the Password field allow you to:
     • Show Password Hint - any hint you entered when first setting up your password
     • Reset Your Password - you will need to know the current password
     • View Contact Information - entered when first setting up the drive
   • IMPORTANT: Failed Password Attempts and Drive Locking/Reformatting
     • If you enter the Password incorrectly a warning that you have Failed to Login will appear in red.
     • For security, the drive allows only 10 consecutive incorrect attempts (whether you unplug and plug in the drive on any computer) before it will lock. After 7 incorrect attempts the warning will list the number of attempts that are left.
     • Once it has locked it can only be used if you allow it to reformat and permanently erase all data stored on the drive.
4. After successful login to the drive, you will see the DTplus_Launcher icon and can open, modify, copy, delete and save files on it as normal. IMPORTANT: Be sure to properly close and eject the drive according to instructions below before physically removing it.
   • Windows computers will show the drive icon in the lower right corner of the computer screen, by the time/date display. If you don't see it click the up triangle to reveal more icons in this area.
   • Macintosh computers will show the icon in the dock, and a DTLplus drive mounted in your Finder window. To access files on the drive from the Mac's Finder, be sure to select the mounted drive icon rather than the disc icon.
5. Additional drive settings such as changing the password or contact information can be found by opening DTLocker+ Settings:
   • Windows - click the DTLplus_Launcher icon in the lower right corner of the screen (you may need to select the up arrow first), then the link to DTLocker+ Settings.
   • Macintosh - hold down the control key on your keyboard while clicking on the DTL icon, then select DTLplus Settings.

Ejecting the DataTraveler Drive

Always use the DTL program to safely eject the drive before physically unplugging it. If not, files stored on the drive may become corrupted.

1. Be sure to close any files that have been opened directly from your DataTraveler drive.
2. Open the DTLPlus_Launcher device options as indicated above (click on the icon in the lower right of a Windows computer, or control-click the icon in the dock of a Macintosh)
3. Select Shut down DTL from the list that appears.
   • If using a Windows computer, click the OK button if asked Are you sure you want to shut down DTLocker+?
   • No confirmation will appear on Macintosh, the icon in the dock will no longer appear active, and the drive will no longer be mounted.
4. Once the DTL program has closed you can physically unplug the DataTraveler drive.