There are some fundamental differences between USB copy protection and USB encryption to files on a flash drive. I have seen many companies confuse and muddy the terminology between the two. It’s time to clear things up and explain the difference.
In short; USB copy protection secures a file or set of files so they cannot be copied – thus copy protection. USB encryption scrambles the source files so they cannot be read unless you decrypt them. Take a moment and think about this…there is a BIG difference.
Encryption is the process of scrambling files and data so they cannot be accessed unless a password or key is supplied to reassemble the content and put everything back together. This process is known as decryption.
The fundamental use for USB encryption is to protect files and data in the event the USB stick is lost or stolen.
Where encryption and USB copy protection differ is with “encryption” once you have the password you can
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Engadget reported on the new USB luck from Thanko. The not-so-clever device uses a 3 wheel number combination lock which attaches to the USB connector of your USB drive, or anything else with a USB connector. Although this looks like something more to keep the honest people honest as disassembling the lock itself doesn’t look to be terribly difficult.
The funny part is, if the data is that important to keep safe, wouldn’t wouldn’t you spend a few minutes learning about encryption? I mean with the most powerful encryption software by TrueCrypt available for free, why not. Kicks the a$$ of this “hardware” solution.
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