Secure Flash drive manufacturer IronKey has unveiled a fully encrypted 8GB USB device.

The rugged, waterproof and tamper resistant USB drive promises the "ultimate in security", and includes always-on hardware encryption, strong authentication, portable applications and fast memory.

The 8GB model is the latest in the IronKey product line, which is encrypted with high-speed military-grade hardware encryption.

Unlike software-based encryption, always-on protection cannot be disabled and is protected against cold-boot and brute force attacks.

If a thief tries to break-in to an IronKey and exceeds a policy-determined number of failed log-in attempts, the IronKey Cryptochip locks out the encryption functions and erases all the encrypted data with its proprietary Flash Trash technology.

"Our virtual desktop customers have been eagerly awaiting IronKey 8GB drives because they are deploying large Windows desktops which rapidly wear out ordinary Flash drives and, most importantly, need to be secured," said John Jefferies, vice president of product marketing at IronKey.

"Running virtual desktops from Flash drives demands high performance with superior reliability which is why customers are choosing to deliver mobile desktops and business continuity solutions on IronKey."

IronKey devices offer a suite of applications and services, including portable Firefox, IronKey Password Manager, RSA SecurID and a Secure Sessions service. The 8GB version costs $299.