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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.
In response to the growing number of portable devices we carry—tablets, Chromebooks, phones, MP3 players, and even 3D glasses—Saelig Unique Electronics has released a product designed to keep everything powered while ensuring safe charging for each individual device.
The Cambrionix U16S Universal USB Charging Board supports charging for up to 16 USB 2.0 devices simultaneously at manufacturer-approved speeds, with each port providing up to 2.1A. Compatible with both Mac and Windows environments, the U16S is well-suited for schools, restaurants, airports, or any setting where offering a convenient and reliable charging station could enhance customer service.
This solution also integrates with LCD or LED displays, providing users with real-time feedback on battery status, time remaining, and current draw (in Amperes) for each connected device. Through its included LiveViewer software, administrators can monitor which ports are active, how much energy each device consumes, and even enable or disable ports remotely to prevent unauthorized use outside of permitted hours.
Overall, the U16S is a practical charging utility for public facilities and can even prove useful in homes with multiple devices needing simultaneous power. More details can be found in Saelig’s official press release and on their website: https://www.saelig.com/.
For comparison, some products go beyond charging alone. The PC-Based Duplicators from Nexcopy not only charge but also manage data transfer between devices and computers. Supporting up to 20 USB 2.0 devices or 16 USB 3.0 devices, the USB200Pro handles advanced controller-level functions such as creating and writing partitions, enabling USB write protection, and even producing Copy Secure drives—media that prevents unauthorized copying, relocation, or deletion of data while still allowing full viewing access.
As flash media and USB devices continue to grow in use across professional and consumer settings, solutions like these—whether charging stations or advanced duplication tools—are becoming increasingly essential. Staying informed on the latest products ensures that businesses, schools, and public venues select the right tools for both customer convenience and organizational security.
Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer of USB duplicators and printers, has introduced a new image creation tool designed to make exact copies of master flash devices. This new functionality is an add-on to Nexcopy’s already popular USB Scrub utility, which was originally developed to remove old registry entries of mass storage devices in Windows 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The addition allows users to create binary image files of USB flash drives, hard drives, and other mass storage devices, producing an archival copy that mirrors the original device at the lowest possible level.
Cyrus Riahi, Marketing Manager for Nexcopy, explains: “The utility is a binary process which captures boot code, partition table size, and file structure to create an exact copy of any mass storage device.” He adds, “The feature is a new addition to the USB Scrub software which cleans old registry entries to provide better performance from the host computer with relation to USB devices.”
The Nexcopy imaging feature is ideal for creating archival copies of bootable flash drives. The resultant file type is the industry-standard .img, making it compatible with Nexcopy’s PC-based USB duplicators and suitable for duplicating content to hundreds or thousands of drives. Because the utility works at the binary level, it is file system agnostic—handling Mac HFS, Linux distributions, Windows FAT and NTFS with equal ease.
There are some considerations: files larger than 4GB must be saved to an NTFS or exFAT partition because FAT32 cannot support single files that size. The tool also gives users control over when to stop the imaging process. It can capture an entire device, or stop at the end of valid data clusters, producing smaller image files that save time and storage space.
The software isn’t limited to USB flash drives. It can also create images of SD cards, CompactFlash, and microSD media, with no restriction beyond the host system’s storage capabilities.
The imaging utility is free to download at:
www.nexcopy.com/downloads/USBScrub.zip
Nexcopy offers a complete line of flash media solutions including USB duplicators, SD duplicators, microSD duplicators, and CF duplicators through a worldwide reseller network. The company is also recognized for USB inkjet printing systems and copy protection solutions for USB flash drives and Apple mobile products. Contact Nexcopy for more details.
About Nexcopy Incorporated:
Nexcopy Incorporated develops and manufactures feature-rich flash memory duplicators and has pioneered solid-state memory duplication since its founding. The company supplies Central and South America, Europe, India, Asia, the Pacific Rim, and serves the U.S. market from its headquarters:
13 Orchard Road Suite 102, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Tel: +1 949 481 6478
Email: contact @ nexcopy.com
https://www.nexcopy.com
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