Time to Replace that USB Stick

Gotta love the convenience of a super portable USB stick to quickly get your data from one device to another or to quickly back something up. But, USB sticks are a ticking time bomb for your data.

Don't underestimate the risks associated with USB drives. While they're convenient for transferring files, they can also be a major security threat.

Here's why:

• Reliability: Cheap USB drives, especially those given away as promotional items. They are generally made cheap by using  low-quality components which can lead to data loss or corruption.
• Malware Risks: Hackers can use USB drives to spread malware, such as viruses, worms, and ransomware. Plugging an infected drive into your computer can compromise your entire system.
• Limited Lifespan: Flash storage has a finite lifespan. Over time, the drive's performance can degrade, and it may eventually fail completely, sometimes as little as 10,000 cycles.
• Data storage: You need to use them periodically to keep the storage charge.

What you probably didn't know: Flash memory does not require a constant power supply to maintain the charges, which is why it's non-volatile. However, over time, the charge can dissipate slowly, leading to potential data loss if the storage isn't used or refreshed for years.
You get what you pay for. Buy a name brand and get more than one. Cycle through them making sure you have at least 2 backups of important data in multiple locations.
Keep them around 20-25°C and use them once a year to be sure.

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Ep260: ​Image by MITE Radio - sharing encouraged, no copyright.