ITG Marketing will release the OWC Guardian ITG model, a USB Type-C portable SSD made by OWC, in mid-June. Its standout feature is a built-in color touchscreen that lets you enter a password and unlock the drive on the SSD itself, with no dedicated software required on the connected PC. It supports 256-bit AES hardware encryption and comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The result is a security-focused storage device aimed at video production and corporate use on the go.
Unlock the Drive Right on Its Built-in Screen
What sets the OWC Guardian apart from other portable SSDs is the color touchscreen on the drive itself. Most encrypted storage requires you to install management software on the connected PC and enter your password through that app, which can be awkward on machines where you cannot install software.
The OWC Guardian lets you handle password entry and unlocking directly on the drive's own screen. Because no software installation is needed, you can authenticate on the device alone and then access your data even on shared PCs, tightly managed work machines, or hardware other than a PC. It is recognized as soon as it is connected, which the company highlights as making it quick to use whenever you need it.
Hardware-Level Encryption and a Range of Security Features
At the core of its data protection is 256-bit AES OPAL hardware encryption. Because the encryption is handled by hardware on the SSD side, stored data is protected without relying on software.
The security PIN can be set from 6 to 30 characters, and a Random Keypad feature shuffles the on-screen layout of the digits every time you unlock the drive. This makes it harder for someone to guess your PIN by watching your finger movements. On top of that, the drive offers a read-only mode that prevents accidental deletion or tampering, a mechanism that protects internal data once password attempts reach a set limit, and a secure erase that wipes the contents completely — a broad set of features built with on-the-go business use in mind.
For portable storage, which always carries the risk of loss or theft, completing both encryption and screen lock on the device itself is an easy-to-understand safeguard against data leaks.
Up to 1,000 MB/s Transfer and Key Specifications
On the performance side, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection (up to 10 Gbps) delivers transfer speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. That is fast enough to avoid long waits when backing up high-resolution photos, 4K video footage, or large production project files.
The drive ships formatted in Mac-oriented APFS, so note that it needs to be reformatted before use in a Windows environment. Supported platforms are broad, covering Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, and Linux. The body measures 76 x 16 x 121 mm and weighs about 209 g, with a three-year warranty (excluding consumables such as the carrying case).
The ITG model is positioned as ITG Marketing's own shipping configuration developed in collaboration with OWC Asia. It bundles two cables — USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A — plus a dedicated carrying case. The package is designed with real-world fieldwork in mind, aiming to reduce the loss or damage of gear when moving between shoot locations and editing studios.
Estimated street prices are around 63,000 yen for the 1TB model (OWCGRDN01CE-IT), around 99,500 yen for the 2TB model (OWCGRDN02CE-IT), and around 189,000 yen for the 4TB model (OWCGRDN04CE-IT).
Summary
The OWC Guardian ITG model is a portable SSD that lets you complete password entry and unlocking on the drive's own touchscreen, while packing a full set of business-grade security features such as 256-bit AES hardware encryption, a random keypad, and a read-only mode. Its up to 1,000 MB/s transfer speed and the bundled pair of cables and dedicated case also reflect a focus on fieldwork where the drive is carried around, such as video production and corporate use. Prices start at around 63,000 yen for the 1TB model — higher than a typical external SSD — but for anyone who wants to secure their data on the device alone, it looks like a strong option.
