You can lock down data with CRU-DataPort’s (http://www.cru-dataport.com) new WriteLock technology, now available in the line of ToughTech storage enclosures. Models are shipping now with base units starting at US$120.

At the push of a button, WriteLock allows you to “lock down” all data on the hard drive prohibiting any changes or accidental erasing. ToughTechs with WriteLock provide the functionality, speed and data capacity of an external hard drive enclosure with the Read Only feature of CD-ROMs and DVDs, according to the folks at CRU-DataPort.

WriteLock technology is available in 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive sizes and is available in quadruple interfaces (eSATA, FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0), so it can connect to any computer (Mac OS X, Linux and Windows XP/Vista/7). All appropriate cables and adapters are included.

For added security, ToughTech Secure models with WriteLock offer 256-bit FIPS 140-2 Validated or 128-bit FIPS 190 hardware-based encryption without degradation of performance. WriteLock creates a Read Only drive that's accessible only with the proper encryption key, but can't be edited.