Cryptographic Ignition Key (CIK) embedded in removable data cartridge

A removable data storage device 130 within a housing 205 comprises a data memory 220, at least one connector 230 for removable engagement with a host system, a cryptographic ignition key device 210 in the housing, a data memory interface 222 in communication with the data memory and a cryptographic ignition key interface 212 configured to communicate one or more cryptographic ignition keys to the host system to authenticate a user of the host system. The cryptographic ignition key device is preferably configured to communicate with a first set of pins 232 of the connector and the data memory is preferably configured to communicate with a second set of pins 234. Also claimed is a cryptographic system for use with an aircraft where the removable data storage device is part of an avionics data transfer system.