Idea and research
Shaped the idea, studied encryption approaches, and explored the need for portable data protection.
Waitlist open · Private testing
AES-256-GCM encryption · No internet required
An encrypted USB drive for your private files
SealKey keeps your files in an encrypted area on the USB drive. While locked, they do not appear like files on an ordinary drive. Open them with the included app and your password, with no internet connection required.
No internet required
The file management and decryption app is stored on a dedicated USB partition
Windows · macOS · Linux
Features
How does SealKey protect your files?
Built for everyday situations: leaving a drive behind, losing a bag, or connecting to a computer you cannot fully trust.
Highlighted
Automatic AES-256 encryption
Files saved through SealKey are encrypted with AES-256-GCM. Manage them as usual while their contents remain encrypted on the USB drive.
A separate area for your files
Private files do not appear as an ordinary USB folder. Open the SealKey app and enter your password to access them.
Highlighted
Helps protect files while locked
Malware scanning a locked USB drive cannot directly read its encrypted files. An infected computer can still expose files while they are open, so use a trusted computer whenever possible.
Locks when disconnected
When you unplug the drive, SealKey detects the disconnect, locks your data, and closes the app. Avoid leaving an unlocked session on an untrusted computer.
App on a dedicated partition
The file management and decryption app is stored on a dedicated USB partition. Launch the version for Windows, macOS, or Linux; your computer's security settings may require you to allow it.
Built-in file manager
Encrypted files do not appear directly in your computer's file browser. Unlock and manage them in SealKey: drag, copy, rename, or organize folders. Files are encrypted when saved.
Backup and recovery
Create a backup file (.svault) in case the drive is lost or damaged. Protect that backup and keep your recovery code separately.
Emergency password
If you are forced to unlock the drive, you can enter your emergency password instead. SealKey overwrites information needed to open the data, so the normal password no longer works on that drive. This cannot be undone and does not erase all data or existing backups.
How it works
Three simple steps
If you can use a USB drive, you can use SealKey.
1
Plug in the drive
Open SealKey from the dedicated partition on the USB drive, using the version for your operating system.
2
Enter your password
Only you know your password. SealKey does not store it on a server, so we cannot unlock your files for you.
3
Move files naturally
Copy, move, rename, and create folders. Files are encrypted automatically when saved. Unplug the drive to lock it.
Our development journey
From a 2023 idea to today's private testing
SealKey has grown through research, software development, and testing on real hardware.
Development begins
Turned the product direction into code and built the first core features.
Hardware testing
Searched for suitable devices and tested the approach on dedicated hardware.
Private testing
Running controlled internal tests, fixing issues, and accepting waitlist requests.
Compare
How is SealKey different from an ordinary USB drive?
SealKey keeps files encrypted on the USB drive. Your password lets the app decrypt content on demand as you read or preview files; it does not turn the entire drive into plaintext. View content in the app, or choose to copy files and folders to your computer to receive decrypted copies.
01
Losing the drive
Ordinary USB
Files stored directly on the drive may be read.
SealKey
Files remain encrypted on the drive. A password lets the app read and decrypt their contents.
02
Connecting to an infected computer
Ordinary USB
Ordinary files may be read when the drive is connected.
SealKey
Malware cannot directly read locked encrypted files. An infected computer can still expose content while it is being used.
03
Data on the drive
Ordinary USB
Files are stored directly on the drive.
SealKey
Files stay encrypted with AES-256-GCM on the drive, even while the app is unlocked.
04
Unplugging while in use
Ordinary USB
File exposure depends on the open application.
SealKey
The app closes the decryption session when it detects a disconnect. Copies exported to your computer remain there.
05
Browsing and managing files
Ordinary USB
Open them in your computer's file browser.
SealKey
The app decrypts content when you read or preview a file. Copying files or folders to your computer exports decrypted copies.
06
If the drive fails
Ordinary USB
Copy files elsewhere yourself.
SealKey
Create and restore a backup in the app. Protect backups and files exported to your computer separately.
Another comparison
SealKey and BitLocker To Go
Two approaches to protecting files on a USB drive, with different workflows.
01
Encryption scope
BitLocker To Go
Encrypts a drive volume.
SealKey
Encrypts data managed through the SealKey app.
02
After unlocking
BitLocker To Go
Windows provides transparent access through the file system.
SealKey
Read or preview in SealKey; exporting creates decrypted copies on your computer.
03
Platform and setup
BitLocker To Go
Built into Windows; encryption management requires a supported Windows edition.
SealKey
Apps for Windows, macOS on Apple Silicon, and Linux. Runs from the USB partition.
04
Availability
BitLocker To Go
An established Windows feature.
SealKey
Currently in controlled private testing, with an open waitlist.
Both approaches keep data encrypted on the drive; unlocking does not rewrite the entire drive as plaintext. Neither makes an infected computer safe while you use decrypted content. Microsoft documentation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you start using SealKey.
Can I recover files if I forget my password?
Yes, if you still have the recovery code provided during setup. Write it down and store it away from the drive. SealKey cannot reset your password from a server; without both your password and recovery code, you cannot reopen the data.
What if I lose the USB drive?
While the drive is locked, someone who finds it cannot directly read encrypted files without the information needed to unlock them. If you made a backup, you can restore it to another drive. Protect your backup and recovery code too.
Do I need to install software or create an account?
The file management and decryption app is stored on a dedicated USB partition. Launch the version for your operating system. No account or internet connection is required to view files. A 16-word activation code from the distributor is entered during setup.
Are my files uploaded to the cloud?
SealKey stores encrypted files on the USB drive and does not automatically upload them to a cloud service. Files exported to a computer or backups synced through another service need separate protection.
How does the emergency password work?
You can set an emergency password during setup. If forced to unlock the drive, enter it instead of your normal password. SealKey overwrites essential information needed to open data on that drive, then closes. The data remains encrypted but cannot be opened with the normal password on that drive. This cannot be undone; it does not wipe the entire drive or affect previously created backups.
Will it work on my computer?
SealKey has apps for Windows 10 or later, macOS on Apple Silicon, and Linux. Open the appropriate app from the drive; your operating system may ask you to allow software from an external device.
When can I get a SealKey drive?
SealKey is in private testing and has no announced release date. Join the waitlist to receive updates when the next phase opens.
Behind SealKey
Built by people working in data security
SealKey is developed by engineers and specialists in storage devices, data encryption, and cybersecurity, working in specialist cybersecurity, information security, and encryption units.
Join the SealKey waitlist
Loading registrations…
SealKey is in private testing. Register your contact details and needs for the next opportunity to try it. No release date has been announced.
Register your interestOr email [email protected]