Smartphones are not in short supply when it comes to software gadgets. Rulers, levels, and calculators are great examples for the software, but hardware extensions to our powerful devices have been scarce in recent years. Android now offers a tool which utilizes the computation, camera, and display of a smartphone for an endoscope with incredible versatility.
While mobile phone makers have been slow to offer truly customizable hardware, storage is one area where users now have more options. For iPhone owners in particular, extending memory beyond the built-in capacity has traditionally meant paying more upfront for larger models. SanDisk’s iXpand flash drive provides a compact and affordable way to push past the limits of a standard 16GB iPhone.
Cloud services such as Google Photos can back up data but require a reliable internet connection and often come with subscription costs. An iPhone-compatible flash drive like the iXpand is portable, secure, and provides instant offline access to storage. Designed as an iPhone companion, the iXpand automatically backs up your camera roll, lets you play videos directly from the drive, and can even hold larger applications to free up device space.
The dual-connector design features a Lightning plug on one end and USB 3.0 on the other, making file transfers between iPhone and computer seamless. The slim build is made to fit most phone cases, while software support ensures popular video formats play smoothly. Automatic backup routines give users peace of mind, reducing the need to remember manual syncs each time the drive is connected.
Storage capacities are available at 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, with retail pricing ranging from $49.99 to $129.99. For many users, the iXpand offers a practical insurance policy against data loss and a straightforward way to extend the lifespan of lower-capacity iPhones without relying solely on cloud storage.
For more information on flash memory and data integrity, contact us.
Source: SanDisk
The clear size difference—and less obvious protocol gap—between SD memory and standard hard drives has historically limited the use of SD cards as primary or secondary storage in desktop systems. Recent converter technology, however, has closed this gap. Smaller, faster adapters now make it possible to group multiple MicroSD cards into a RAID-based unit that functions like a SATA SSD.
The 10 x MicroSD to SATA converter operates on a RAID 0 configuration to boost performance by striping data across multiple cards. Because it uses hardware RAID, the process does not depend on the host computer’s CPU. Priced at around $64.00, this converter offers a cost-effective way to harness the speed of MicroSD cards and package them into a usable SATA form factor for desktops.
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Due to the nature of RAID 0, the adapter does not function optimally with 3, 5, 7, or 9 cards. To ensure a stable array, insert cards sequentially from slot CHP0L to CHP4H. The total storage will be limited to the capacity of the smallest card in the array, and some space is reserved for data synchronization. Mixing card sizes is not recommended if maximizing capacity is the goal.
Data integrity also depends on keeping each card in its original slot. Swapping cards or replacing them with different ones may result in data loss. The device does not support hot swapping; cards should only be inserted or removed when the system is powered down.
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Data security across the internet is already one of the most volatile and fast-changing fields. Bug exploits, malicious code, and countless data-stealing programs have pushed some organizations to remove sensitive systems from the web entirely. But a new hardware-level threat shows that even isolated networks are not immune to attack.
A recently identified malware sample called USB Thief was uncovered by researchers at the ESET security firm. Unlike traditional malware, USB Thief is completely USB-based. It spreads only when infected flash drives are inserted into computers, meaning no internet connection is required for compromise.
This Trojan is especially dangerous for air-gapped systems—networks intentionally kept offline to minimize exposure. That category includes financial exchanges, military installations, and industrial control systems. According to ESET, the malware’s most troubling feature is its ability to evade detection and resist reverse engineering. The firm has not disclosed the exact path of discovery, but the details show a high degree of sophistication.
USB Thief executes by attaching itself as a plugin or dynamically linked library (.dll) into the command chain of common USB applications. Each time the application launches, the malware runs invisibly in the background. It can steal documents, images, registry trees, and other data—all while leaving no footprint on the host machine since it resides exclusively on the USB device itself.
The most practical defense for organizations handling secure content is to use encrypted and write-protected drives. Write protection at the hardware level prevents any modification of trusted content and blocks the insertion of malicious libraries or executables. This approach is especially valuable for institutions distributing data across large user groups while maintaining control over integrity.
Nexcopy offers hardware-based copy-protected and write-protected USB drives, already deployed by global aircraft manufacturers, energy companies, and even emergency response training facilities. These tools ensure sensitive content can be distributed safely, while duplication hardware such as USB duplicators streamlines secure media distribution at scale.
To learn more about these protective measures and Nexcopy’s line of secure duplication hardware, visit their site: USB Copy Protection.
