Now that optical drives for CDs and DVDs have pretty much disappeared from laptops, USB drives (or flash drives as they are also known) are really the best way to store large files and transmit them between computers. They work just fine most of the time, however, what if they become compromised by a virus?

Nobody wants a virus on their computer. We all know it’s possible to get a virus by clicking on a link while browsing an unsecured website, or perhaps in an unwanted email. However, one of the most common ways a computer may become infected with malware is through a USB port via an infected flash drive.

However, this problem could now be a thing of the past. The brilliant new Lock License Flash Drive is a write-protected flash drive from Nexcopy that keeps your USB safe from viruses and malware, ensuring a strong defense every time you plug it in.

Let’s check out what makes such a secure drive possible, and find out why the Lock License Flash Drive is a must-have for anyone who uses USBs.

Eliminating Risks With USB Drives

There are a few ways that a USB drive can infect your computer with a virus. For example, it could inadvertently download an infected file from another computer, and then transfer it to yours. Or it can even happen in a more deliberate way. This could involve a USB being dropped somewhere for you to find and then plug in. This may sound a little far-fetched but it is an actual thing, it’s called a USB drop attack, and it happens more than you’d probably imagine!

Whichever way it occurs, the virus spreads because the USB stick is writable by default which allows corrupt files and malware to infiltrate the device without the operator knowing. Ideally, the USB should block any attempt of writing data to the device unless the user is aware of such action.

This is where the Lock License flash drive from Nexcopy comes into its own. Their solution takes a whole different approach. This new super-secure device is always write-protected unless you specifically request it not to be. This is a game-changer and means that you can use this USB drive time and again, with 100% confidence it won't get corrupted when plugged in.

Total Virus Protection

Computer viruses spread in a multitude of ways. One of the most common methods is a virus which is designed to scan newly connected devices and then test them out to see if it can spread to them. It will detect the new power source, and then quickly attempt to gain access to your files. When plugging any kind of writeable device into your computer, whether it be external hard drives, SD cards, and microSD cards, it is a moment of opportunity for computer viruses and a vulnerable time for your laptop.

Up until the Lock License approach, having the USB writable by default is the reason why a virus can spread so easily via USB flash drives. However, because the Lock License drive is always write-protected by default whenever you connect it, no matter what, the virus will try to do its thing but immediately hit a brick wall. It will quickly determine that the Lock License Drive is not writable, and then it will toddle off back into hibernation.

This solution from Nexcopy is built into the hardware inside the flash drive, it is not a software solution. So whenever you unplug this clever device from your laptop, (whether you eject it correctly or just yank it out) the Lock License immediately reverts to being write-protected.

Uploading Data

The Lock License always reverts to this bulletproof state, meaning nothing within it can be removed, edited, manipulated, or changed. But what about when you actually want to change it, as in you want to upload some data onto it?

There is a user-defined password that can be used to temporarily remove the write protection. The password is the only way to unlock the device, and full-proof encryption is used when the password is sent by the user to the Lock License Drive for extra security. But be warned, if you lose or forget this password, the drive will be locked in read-only mode forever. There is no possible way to reset your password. Now that’s taking security seriously!

Nexcopy: An IT Manager’s Dream

This clever device from Nexcopy is an IT manager's dream because it means that USBs can be used en masse in workplaces without the threat of viruses that have plagued the USB world in recent years.

Of course, there is still a possibility of human error when using this device, and the Lock Licence could be left in writable mode and allow a virus to get in, as with any other USB stick. The Lock License Drive gives control back to the user. When used correctly, it is the best way we know of to ensure computer safety when using a USB drive.

It is available in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 and in capacities from 2GB up to 256GB. As a very nice extra feature, custom print on the drive itself is available at no extra charge when you buy 20 units.