Corsair

Corsair CMFPLA3B-256GB Flash Padlock 3 256GB Secure USB

5.0 (2 reviews)

Hardware-encrypted USB 3.0 flash drive with a built-in PIN pad and 256GB of ruggedized, software-free secure storage.

$134.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Corsair Flash Padlock 3 is a 256GB USB 3.0 flash drive built around a security-first design. Its defining feature is 256-bit AES hardware encryption certified to FIPS 197, which means all data written to the drive is encrypted in real time by a dedicated onboard chip rather than relying on software that must be installed on the host computer. Authentication is handled entirely through the integrated PIN keypad on the drive's body, making it platform-independent and usable across Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux without any drivers or applications.

Beyond encryption, the Flash Padlock 3 is designed for durability. Its ruggedized rubber casing provides water resistance and shock absorption, making it suitable for professionals who carry sensitive data in the field or during travel. The USB 3.0 interface supports fast file transfers, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 ensures it works with older systems. At 256GB, it offers enough capacity for substantial file collections, backups, or project archives. The drive includes brute-force protection to guard against repeated unauthorized PIN attempts, adding another layer of security. For organizations or individuals handling confidential information, the Flash Padlock 3 offers a self-contained, no-software-needed approach to portable data protection.

Key Features

256-Bit AES hardware encryption: Fast encryption and strong data protection effectively secures 100% of data.

FIPS 197: Meets government level security standards including the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 197 requirement.

Ruggedised rubber housing: Water resistant and shockproof ensures data protection in extreme conditions.

Platform independent authentication: No need for special driver or administration rights and fully compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

PIN Pad: Built-in PIN pad provides simple authentication with no additional software required.

Specifications

Brand
Corsair
Model
CMFPLA3B-256GB
Capacity
256 GB
Encryption
256-bit AES Hardware Encryption
Security Standard
FIPS 197
Authentication
Built-in PIN Pad
Interface
USB 3.0 (Backward compatible with USB 2.0)
Housing
Ruggedized Rubber, Water Resistant, Shock Absorbent
OS Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
Color
Black/Blue

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 256-bit AES hardware encryption with FIPS 197 certification secures data without relying on software
  • Built-in PIN pad enables authentication on any OS without drivers or software installation
  • Ruggedized, water-resistant, shock-absorbent housing protects the drive during transport
  • 256GB capacity provides ample encrypted storage for large files and backups
  • USB 3.0 interface delivers fast transfer speeds with USB 2.0 backward compatibility

👎 Cons

  • Physical PIN pad and encryption hardware make the drive noticeably larger than standard USB flash drives
  • Typically priced significantly higher than non-encrypted flash drives of the same capacity
  • PIN entry on the small onboard keypad can be fiddly, especially with larger fingers
  • If the PIN is forgotten and brute-force protection triggers, stored data is permanently lost

Frequently Asked Questions

It uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption (FIPS 197 certified), which encrypts all stored data automatically without requiring any software installation.
You enter your PIN directly on the built-in keypad on the drive itself. No software or drivers are needed, and it works across Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Yes, it features a ruggedized rubber housing that is both water-resistant and shock-absorbent, designed to withstand daily handling and transport.
Yes, it connects via USB 3.0 but is fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports at reduced transfer speeds.
The drive includes brute-force protection that will lock or wipe the drive after a set number of incorrect PIN attempts, preventing unauthorized access.