16GB FIPS 140-3 Level 3 encrypted USB-A drive
Kingston IronKey D500S 16GB (IKD500S/16GB)
The Kingston IronKey D500S 16GB is a FIPS 140-3 Level 3-validated USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A flash drive with XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption, multi-password controls, a rugged zinc casing and up to 260MB/s read and 190MB/s write performance.
- Capacity
- 16GB
- Connector
- USB Type-A
- Read / write
- 260 / 190MB/s
- Encryption
- XTS-AES 256-bit
Validated hardware encryption for controlled portable data
Kingston IronKey D500S combines hardware-based encryption with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation, TAA and CMMC compliance, multi-password options and attack-resistant physical construction. It is designed for government, military and enterprise environments that need stronger control over sensitive or classified files carried on USB storage.
FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation
Certificate #5029 confirms the drive's current validation status in Kingston's specification.
XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Encryption is handled in hardware to protect data stored on the drive.
Multi-password controls
Complex and Passphrase modes support multiple password options for controlled access.
Dual hidden partitions and Crypto-Erase
Hidden-partition options and a Crypto-Erase password provide additional ways to separate or retire protected data.
Rugged zinc construction
The epoxy-filled zinc casing is crush-resistant, shock and vibration tested, and IP67 certified for water and dust protection.
260 / 190MB/s USB 3.2 performance
The 16GB model is rated up to 260MB/s read and 190MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Who is the Kingston IronKey D500S 16GB encrypted USB drive best for?
A strong choice for
- Government, military and enterprise security workflows
- Carrying sensitive or classified files
- Organisations requiring FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation
- TAA and CMMC-aligned procurement requirements
- Users needing rugged encrypted USB Type-A storage
Consider another model if you need
- You need a USB Type-C connector
- You need more than 16GB on one drive
- Your operating system is outside Kingston's listed versions
- You only need ordinary unencrypted portable storage
Key specifications
- Store SKU
- IKD500S-16GB
- Official part number
- IKD500S/16GB
- Capacity
- 16GB
- Interface
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Connector
- USB Type-A
- USB 3.2 read / write
- 260 / 190MB/s
- USB 2.0 read / write
- 30 / 20MB/s
- Encryption
- XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Validation
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3, Certificate #5029
- Protection
- IP67 water and dust protection
- Dimensions
- 79.5 × 20.0 × 10.0 mm
- Warranty
- 5 years with free technical support
Full technical specifications
Security, validation and controls
| Encryption | XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption |
|---|---|
| FIPS validation | FIPS 140-3 Level 3, Certificate #5029 |
| Additional certification | MIL-STD-810F |
| Compliance | TAA / CMMC compliant |
| Password options | Multi-password with Complex and Passphrase modes |
| Partition option | Dual hidden partitions |
| Crypto-Erase password | Supported |
| Construction | Epoxy-filled rugged zinc casing; crush-resistant |
| Water / dust protection | IP67 certified |
| Design and assembly | Designed and assembled in the USA |
Capacity, connection and performance
| Store SKU | IKD500S-16GB |
|---|---|
| Official part number | IKD500S/16GB |
| Capacity | 16GB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Connector | USB Type-A |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 read | Up to 260MB/s |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 write | Up to 190MB/s |
| USB 2.0 read | Up to 30MB/s |
| USB 2.0 write | Up to 20MB/s |
Physical, platform and support
| Dimensions | 79.5 × 20.0 × 10.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to 85°C |
| USB compatibility | USB 3.0, USB 3.1 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Supported platforms | Windows 11/10, macOS 12.x–15.x, Linux kernel 4.4 or later |
| Linux note | Feature support is limited; some distributions require super-user privileges |
| Customisation | Drive features and profiles can be enabled, disabled or modified; co-logo option |
| Warranty / support | 5-year warranty with free technical support |
Frequently asked questions about the Kingston IronKey D500S 16GB encrypted USB drive
What is the Kingston IronKey D500S 16GB?
It is a 16GB USB Type-A flash drive with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation and XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
What is the official part number for the D500S 16GB?
Kingston lists IKD500S/16GB; the store SKU is IKD500S-16GB.
How fast is the D500S 16GB?
Kingston rates the 16GB model up to 260MB/s read and 190MB/s write over USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Which encryption does the D500S 16GB use?
It uses XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
Is the D500S 16GB FIPS validated?
Yes. Kingston lists FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation under Certificate #5029.
Which password options does the D500S support?
It supports multiple passwords with Complex and Passphrase modes.
What are the D500S dual hidden partitions?
Kingston lists an option for two hidden partitions, providing separate protected areas within the drive's security design.
Is the D500S 16GB water and dust resistant?
Yes. Kingston specifies IP67 certification; waterproof testing applies with the cap on, and the drive must be clean and dry before use.
Which platforms are listed for the D500S 16GB?
Kingston lists Windows 11/10, macOS 12.x through 15.x and Linux kernel 4.4 or later, with limited Linux feature support.
What warranty applies to the D500S 16GB?
Kingston specifies a five-year warranty with free technical support.
- Waterproof certification applies with the cap on; the drive must be clean and dry before use.
- Linux feature support is limited, and some distributions require super-user privileges for IronKey commands.
- Performance varies with host hardware, software and usage.
- The actual available capacity is lower than the listed capacity because formatting and other functions use part of the drive.
