American company Lexar has expanded its portable storage lineup with the introduction of the TouchLock Portable SSD, a compact external drive that combines hardware-based encryption with NFC authentication and is designed for mobile, cross-platform workflows.

The SSD is built around a dual security system that combines 128-bit AES hardware encryption with near-field communication authentication. Access to the drive is granted only after a successful NFC check, typically performed using a paired smartphone, and the device is not recognized by a host system until authentication is complete. Once disconnected, the drive automatically locks, preventing access without re-authentication, thus removing the need for traditional passwords during everyday use while maintaining encrypted protection at the hardware level.

The TouchLock Portable SSD is designed for mobile use, featuring a slim enclosure measuring just 7 mm thick and weighing approximately 40 grams. Magnetic compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe system allows it to attach directly to the back of an iPhone during transfers. Despite its compact size, the enclosure is also rated for drops of up to two meters. Internally, Lexar uses a proprietary controller paired with TLC NAND flash, intended to balance performance, stability, and power efficiency during sustained transfers.

Performance is specified at up to 450 MB/s for sequential reads and 420 MB/s for writes over a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. The TouchLock is offered in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities and includes both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A adapters, ensuring compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Management and NFC pairing are handled through the Lexar App, which also supports automatic photo and video backups from smartphones. The application can operate offline, does not collect user data, and positions the drive as a local alternative to cloud-based backup services.