Without flash-based storage devices, better known as flash drives, it would be quite difficult to do with the current level of development of computer technology. The area of use of flash drives is so huge that it is sometimes impossible to even assume that a flash memory module is installed in any particular device . The advantages of flash drives are obvious:
- low cost. Especially relevant for low-speed models. The price of the 4 GB version fell below $ 5;
- light weight and dimensions. This is one of the decisive factors that ensured the mass distribution of flash drives. Indeed, it is enough to compare the sizes of old video cameras, audio players, cameras with modern analogs to understand that a real revolution has occurred in the world of mobile and digital devices;
- The performance of flash drives increases with each new generation. In computer technology, flash technology is now competing in performance with classic magnetic recording hard drives;
- low energy consumption.
In fact, flash drives perform the same functions that were assigned to cassettes and rewritable discs. Unfortunately, with the advent of flash drives, the issue of maintaining confidential information has become very important. If you still need to be able to lose the disk, then a small flash drive itself can slip out of your pocket.
Aware of the danger, manufacturers began to actively supply flash drives with write protection. It would seem that the problem has been solved, but, alas ... probably, the opposition of the sword and shield is eternal. To understand how to protect a USB flash drive from recording, you should familiarize yourself with the principles of operation of protective mechanisms. There are a lot of them, but only a few solutions are at the core.
A flash drive with write protection may differ externally from its counterparts, but without the presence of such protection. Remember the floppy disks? Those same flexible magnetic disks that were not recommended to be bent. First five, and then three-inch. To protect against recording, a special window was used in them, closing which recording was prohibited, and opening it was allowed. Here, indeed, the succession of technology: in flash drives the same principle is used, though slightly modified. On the side of the flash memory cards there is a special lever, moving it to the Lock position, you can see what a flash drive with write protection is. When connected, the lever closes the contacts and recording to such a memory is impossible. Interestingly, locking is performed at the software level, and closing contacts perform only a signal function. Some computer USB flash drives come with a similar lever (Qumo company), but their range is limited, because the mechanics tend to wear out, and they are more expensive to manufacture. In them, the principle of blocking is different - more reliable.
However, the demand for such products does not decrease. Therefore, instead of hardware protection, software solutions are offered. Almost every flash drive for advertising purposes indicates - a flash drive with write protection. As a rule, there is a small encryption program on it, with which you can set a password to access the USB flash drive. You should not expect miracles from such a program, but it is better to replace it with a similar application. A striking example is BitLocker and its version for flash memory (to go). Only when choosing a program, it should be borne in mind that such a flash drive with write protection may not be detected (read, seen) in some operating systems, so you need to choose an encryptor carefully.
You can do it easier and use the built-in Windows feature on NTFS partitions - restriction of access rights. File (folder) - Properties - Security. Here, really, someone like that.
Obviously, the issue of the quality protection of information on flash drives on a global scale has not yet been resolved. Who knows, maybe a little time will pass and flash drives with a fingerprint device will become as common as DVD discs are now.