When it comes to accessing sensitive data on the move there's no shortage of solutions for encrypting content on portable devices, but in the Smart Key, Mobiu has come up with an alternative that offers a range of additional benefits.

To our knowledge it's the only USB device of its kind to use chip-and-PIN/SIM card technology for secure access and comes in the form of a 1GB USB stick with a dedicated slot at the back to store a personalised SIM module. Additionally, the device comes pre-installed with its own interface, secure browser and range of applications and, notably, it's primarily intended to store files online, with a range of storage capacities available depending on your needs.

A short installation routine fires up when the drive is inserted for the first time, which requires registration to access the online storage and selection of a four-digit PIN code for remote access. The Smart Key interface is loaded upon successful PIN entry, offering access to the range of features and applications available within this secure area.

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Core backup features are accessible through a MobiVault, which can be populated using an Explorer-style interface to select files and folders to upload, and multiple vaults are available for different computers. It's also possible to create MobiRooms where certain files can be shared with other Mobiu users who have been granted access. Files can also be copied to and from the storage space on the USB key itself and full control of access privileges, as well as the ability to invite other users using a unique membership number, is included.

Mobiu places emphasis on its secure storage solution as an all-encompassing package that can be used from any remote computer, and as such provides you with a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation application, along with Mozilla Firefox for privately browsing the internet, a file archiver and PDF viewer, all of which are accessible directly from the main interface.

Since these are being accessed remotely they are typically less responsive than local software but the security benefits, along with compatibility with a wide range of popular mainstream alternatives, including Microsoft Office, will mean that for many people this is a sacrifice worth making.

The applications will be familiar to users of existing Office applications and while they don't offer quite the same range of features as ‘official' counterparts, are on a par with most free and lower-priced alternatives. Files opened from online storage are stored in a ‘downloaded documents' folder while they are being used and can be re-uploaded and deleted once closed, allowing users to control exactly what is stored on the key itself.

Additional security includes a ‘remote kill' option to remotely disable the key if it is lost or stolen, in the same way you would a credit card with a bank. Existing backups can be refreshed with new files and multiple-version support for office documents adds extra appeal, along with the reassurance that traces of opened files or web activity are instantly and securely deleted from a computer once the key is ejected and removed, culminating in an impressively well thought-out security solution for those on the move.

The Mobiu Smart Key is a tidy package with a range of clear benefits, and while these may not appeal to all users, those who frequently need to access files or work from locations where security is a potential issue will find plenty of reassurance from the security measures and secure application access on offer here.