Best practices for sending sensitive files to a third party—and why copy protection is stronger than encryption.

You have a document, video, or audio file with sensitive information and need to send it to someone else. What’s the safest option?

Three common choices come to mind: email, Dropbox, or a USB flash drive.

Sending an email is like sending a postcard. It’s open to interception, and anyone determined enough can read it. Most of the time nothing happens, but relying on luck with sensitive data is risky. Encryption improves email security, but file size limits (usually around 20MB) make it impractical for large videos or datasets. And once decrypted, the file is free to be copied or shared without restriction.

Dropbox solves the size problem by letting you upload large files and share a download link. However, Dropbox doesn’t encrypt files by default. You can password-protect a compressed archive, but the same weakness applies: once decrypted, the file is wide open to manipulation or unauthorized sharing.

That leads to a critical question: Do you trust the recipient?

A short look at Intel’s Windows 10 Compute Stick and where it still makes sense today.

In 2015 Intel introduced the Compute Stick, an HDMI dongle computer designed to run Windows 10. The idea was straightforward: create an ultra-portable PC that plugs directly into a monitor or TV. While never a mainstream success, the Compute Stick found its niche in embedded applications, digital signage, and other IoT-style uses where a compact Windows machine is valuable.

The concept was to provide a low-cost solution for environments that needed Windows without the footprint of a desktop or laptop. PCWorld covered the specs in detail back in 2016, but here we’ll focus on real-world applications where this form factor shines.

For around $120 on Amazon, you can still find Windows 10 sticks capable of running essential software and basic workloads.

Why formatting a USB stick as UDF is possible—but not always recommended.

When you format a USB flash drive in Windows 7 or Windows 10, the common file system choices are FAT, FAT32, or exFAT. NTFS is also offered, but it’s not ideal for removable media as we’ve explained before. The available file system options shown in Windows depend on the capacity of the drive connected.

So why don’t you see UDF on that list?

First, it is possible to format a flash drive with UDF (Universal Disk Format) on Windows. Microsoft simply doesn’t make it a default option—and there are good reasons why.

Important note: formatting a USB drive with UDF will not make it behave like an optical drive. UDF is common in DVDs and optical media, but applying it to a USB stick doesn’t magically turn it into one.

The assumption some users make is that UDF creates a “universal” USB, compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Symbian, and other systems. In reality, exFAT already fills that role, offering broad compatibility without the risks tied to UDF.

Why avoid UDF on flash drives?

• Lack of robust file system check tools
• Known 64GB bug in Windows and Linux (not a UDF spec issue, but an implementation bug)
• Wear-leveling problems on SD and USB mass storage devices
• Windows XP treats UDF as read-only

The most important drawback is the first one: if a UDF-formatted USB drive is unplugged mid-operation and data is corrupted, there are no tools to properly check or repair the file system. For a medium designed to be portable and frequently removed, that’s a big risk.

How to format a flash drive as UDF in Windows

1. Connect the USB drive and confirm the assigned drive letter.

2. Ensure no programs are accessing the drive.

3. Open Windows Explorer, navigate to the C: drive, and type CMD into the search field. Press Enter. Run as Administrator.

4. In the Command Prompt window, type:
format G: /fs:UDF /q
(Replace G with your drive’s letter.)

The /fs parameter specifies the file system (UDF), and /q instructs DiskPart to perform a quick format.

5. Press Enter when asked to confirm the drive is inserted.
6. Enter a Volume name, or leave it blank by pressing Enter.

DiskPart will complete the format and confirm the result. Type exit to close the Command Prompt.

Note: the /q command deletes the file table and root directory, but it does not scan for bad sectors. Combined with the lack of UDF repair tools, this makes the file system especially fragile on portable devices. For most users, exFAT remains the safer choice for cross-platform compatibility.

A compact USB flash drive duplicator built for today’s home office needs.

Today more people than ever are working from home. A comfortable environment is great for productivity, but the home office often lacks some of the specialized gear found in corporate IT departments. As businesses shift toward remote setups, certain tools remain essential to keep workflows running smoothly.

Consider an IT manager rolling out restore images, or a software developer pushing updates to remote users. Both scenarios need a way to duplicate USB drives quickly and reliably. That’s where a mini-sized USB flash drive duplicator from Nexcopy fits in.

Why only one Compact Flash Card mounts—and how to fix disk signature collisions.

The most common reason why only one Compact Flash Card is usable when multiple cards are connected is a device signature collision.

If you are dealing with bootable devices and see this problem, the collision is almost certainly the cause. If the devices aren’t bootable, the details below may not apply.

News Review: Nexcopy Launches USB-C Duplicator For Mass USB-C Duplication

Nexcopy announced a new USB-C Duplicator, available for immediate purchase. The USB-C200PC is a 20-target, PC-based system designed for high-volume Type-C deployments and comes bundled with Nexcopy’s feature-rich Drive Manager software.

Via the EIN Presswire service, Nexcopy noted rising demand driven by Apple’s adoption of USB-C on Macs and the broader shift to USB-C across IoT products. As device makers migrate to Type-C, duplication workflows are following suit.

Being PC-based doesn’t mean sacrificing speed or capability. The USB-C200PC leverages modern SuperSpeed protocols (commonly referred to as USB 3.1/3.2) and writes at the connected device’s maximum sustained rate. While USB 3.1 Gen 2 advertises up to 10 Gbps theoretical throughput, real-world duplication performance depends on the media and workload.

The system ships with Drive Manager, Nexcopy’s control software known for granular job control, verification, logging, and advanced media functions.

Highlighted Features of the USB-C Duplicator

• Six copy modes to match source/target workflows
• Binary device copy supporting all formats (HFS, ext2/3/4, proprietary, etc.)
• Unique data streaming to each USB-C socket (serialization, per-drive payloads)
• Binary verification for integrity assurance
• Erase and DoD Erase options for disk sanitization
• Data collection to extract files from connected USB-C devices
• Intuitive, informative Drive Manager UI with logging
• Upgradeable to PRO Series for controller-level write protection (read-only)
• Upgradeable to PRO Series for partitioning and advanced media control

The unique data streaming mode is a standout for publishers and on-demand fulfillment: it allows static content plus per-device files (keys, licenses, IDs) to be injected in a single run.

Nexcopy’s PRO Series capabilities—such as USB read-only (write protection), controller-level partitioning, and serial-number control—are also available as upgrades for the USB-C200PC platform.

Why USB-C Matters (Context)

Versatility: A single reversible port that can handle data, display, and power (USB PD) simplifies modern device design and deployment.

Speed: With USB 3.1/3.2 and Thunderbolt 3/4 support on many hosts, data rates are dramatically higher than legacy USB.

Power Delivery: Faster, smarter charging and the ability to power bus-powered peripherals.

Compact form factor: Ideal for thin, light laptops and embedded/IoT designs.

Broad adoption & future-proofing: Momentum across laptops, mobiles, and accessories ensures longevity and compatibility.

The USB-C200PC duplicator lists at $1,299 and is available through major online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart.com, Newegg) and a worldwide network of authorized resellers.

Nexcopy has indicated larger models are in the pipeline, with 40-target and 60-target USB-C duplicators anticipated later in the year.

USB Duplicator by Nexcopy, Model USB600PC

The USB600PC is a PC-connected USB duplicator featuring 60 target ports, designed for high-volume, high-reliability USB rollouts. It pairs with Nexcopy’s Drive Manager software to deliver speed, flexibility, and detailed job control.

Why a PC-Based USB Duplicator?

• Copy from an Image File: Point to a master .img and create verified, bit-accurate clones.
• Copy from Network Locations: Pull masters from shared folders to streamline team workflows.
• Unique Data Streaming: Serialize or inject per-drive files (IDs, licenses, configs) on the same run.
• Bulk Extract: Read/harvest files from each individual USB for QA or audit trails.
• Enable Write-Protect Media: Apply hardware/firmware write-protection on supported media for tamper-resistant distribution.

This overview focuses on Nexcopy’s USB600PC. If your organization distributes software, content, or field tools via flash media, this system can collapse hours of manual effort into a single, predictable workflow.

https://www.nexcopy.com/usb-duplicator/

About Nexcopy

Nexcopy Inc. is a Southern California technology company (founded 2008) specializing in digital media duplication and distribution hardware. The portfolio spans USB, SD/microSD, and CF duplicators to serve education, government, enterprise IT, content publishers, and manufacturing.

Innovation: Nexcopy systems emphasize advanced features—copy and write protection, serialization, binary verification, and robust logging—while the Drive Manager software adds granular control, progress telemetry, and job reporting.

Security Focus: Options such as copy protection and write protection help safeguard proprietary or regulated data sets throughout deployment and use.

Support & Reach: Nexcopy provides training and technical assistance through a global network of authorized resellers, ensuring availability and responsive service in multiple regions.

Slide deck reference: USB Duplicator by Nexcopy, Model USB600PC