Category: Bulk Pack USB Flash Drive

To encrypt a thumb drive using a password, you can use software that offers encryption tools, many of which are free or come pre-installed on operating systems. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Using Built-in OS Features

Windows (BitLocker):

• Right-click on the thumb drive in File Explorer and select Turn on BitLocker.
• Choose to use a password to unlock the drive.
• Follow the prompts to set up the encryption and save a recovery key in case you forget the password.
• Once done, the drive will require a password each time it’s accessed on a new computer.

Mac (FileVault):

• Open Disk Utility.
• Select the thumb drive and click Erase (back up your data first).
• Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted) as the format.
• Set a password during the formatting process.

2. Using Third-Party Encryption Tools

VeraCrypt (Free and Open-Source):

• Download and install VeraCrypt from its official website.
• Create a new encrypted volume and choose Create an encrypted file container.
• Set a password for the encrypted volume and follow the wizard to format the thumb drive.
• The drive will now be password-protected.

Rohos Mini Drive:

This software encrypts your entire thumb drive and requires a password to access it.

You can download it and use its wizard to set up encryption and password protection.

3. Using Commercial Software

Western Digital (WD) Security or Seagate Secure (for compatible drives):

Many external drives come with their own software that allows you to set up password protection. These tools encrypt the drive with a password when accessed on different machines.

4. General Tips for Encryption:

Always back up your data before encrypting, as the process can sometimes lead to data loss if not done correctly.

Choose a strong password: ideally, a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Make sure to store the password safely, as losing it may lock you out of your own data.
By using these tools and methods, you can keep the data on your thumb drive secure from unauthorized access. Always ensure to use reliable software from trusted sources to avoid data corruption or loss.

Why Does the Actual Storage Differ from the Labelled Capacity?

When assessing storage capacity, it’s common to see a discrepancy between the labeled storage and the actual usable storage. This is due to different definitions of a Megabyte (MB) used by operating systems and flash memory manufacturers. Here’s an explanation of why this happens:

Definitions of a Megabyte (MB)

1. Operating System Definition (Binary):
   • Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes (2¹⁰)
   • Megabyte (MB): 1,048,576 bytes (1,024 × 1,024 = 2²⁰)
   • Gigabyte (GB): 1,073,741,824 bytes (1,024 × 1,024 × 1,024 = 2³⁰)
2. Flash Memory and Disk Drive Manufacturer Definition (Decimal):
   • Kilobyte (KB): 1,000 bytes
   • Megabyte (MB): 1,000,000 bytes
   • Gigabyte (GB): 1,000,000,000 bytes

Impact on Reported Capacity

Operating systems calculate storage using binary units, while flash memory manufacturers use decimal units. As a result, the actual usable storage appears less than the capacity listed by manufacturers. This is a natural consequence of the difference in measurement systems, not a defect in the product.

Example:

• A 16GB USB flash drive (16,000,000,000 bytes) will show as approximately 14.9GB on the operating system, based on the binary calculation:
  16,000,000,000 ÷ 1,073,741,824 = 14.9GB.

This discrepancy is typical and can be explained by understanding the differing measurement standards used by operating systems and manufacturers. By knowing these definitions, users can better understand and interpret the actual storage capacity of their devices.

All SWIVEL USB drives are equipped with an LED light embedded in the PCB board. For units with blue or black casings, the harder material makes it challenging for the light to pass through the casing. As a result, the LED light is most visible from the hole at the end of the case, while it may appear faintly around the sides.