USB flash or thumb drives are convenient for carrying and transferring computer data, but if you lose the drive, your data are at risk. Kingston Technology Company says its new DataTraveler Secure Privacy Edition USB flash drive is the world's first thumb drive to secure data using 256-bit hardware-based encryption. The encryption features a password protocol that destroys data after 10 consecutive failed password attempts.

The drive's case is made from titanium-coated stainless steel to withstand harsh working environments. It is protected against damage from water up to 4 ft. deep. The drives are available with storage capacities ranging from 512 megabytes to 4 gigabytes.

Prices start at $53. Contact Kingston Technology Co., Dept. FIN, 17600 Newhope St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708, 877/546-4786, visit www.kingston.com/PrivacyUSB or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 178.