R Roye - 6 hours ago

I’m experimenting with a Kingston IronKey Keypad 200 hardware-encrypted USB drive and would like to put a VeraCrypt file container on it.

The setup would be:

  1. Unlock the IronKey using its physical keypad.
  2. Mount the container stored on the unlocked drive using VeraCrypt.
  3. Dismount the container before safely ejecting and locking the IronKey.

My goal is to add an independent software encryption layer rather than rely entirely on the drive’s hardware encryption. I would be using it with Windows and Linux. For testing, I’m only using disposable files.

Has anyone tested this particular combination? I’m interested in:

  • Any known compatibility, reliability, or security issues.
  • Whether the drive’s controller or hardware encryption introduces any concerns for a VeraCrypt container.
  • Whether the USB drive’s filesystem or a fixed-size versus dynamic container makes a meaningful difference.
  • Any published testing or audits relevant to this setup.
  • Practical ways to test it beyond checking that files mount, read, and write correctly.

I understand that layering encryption doesn’t protect against a compromised computer while the container is mounted. I’m mainly interested in protection when the drive is locked and disconnected, including whether VeraCrypt would still protect the container if the hardware encryption were bypassed.

Any technical guidance or firsthand experience would be appreciated. Thanks!