Nexcopy’s Lock License flash drive adds password-based control to hardware write protection.

Nexcopy has redefined how secure USB media can function with the Lock License flash drive. By default, the drive is read-only—completely write protected. Using Nexcopy’s Lock License utility, the user can temporarily unlock the device with a password to enable write access. Once power is cut, the device automatically reverts to its safest state: read-only.

Greg Morris, CEO of Nexcopy Inc., explains: “What makes the Lock License unique is that whenever power is cut, the USB automatically returns to write-protected mode. This first-line defense makes it impossible for malicious software or a virus to infect the drive.”

The initial password is set on first use. From that point on, the user controls when the drive is writable. The design offers businesses a practical balance between usability and security.

Key Features

• Default state is read-only (hardware write protection)
• User-defined password removes write protection
• No password required for reading; functions like a WORM device
• GUI and command line utilities available for unlocking
• No back-door access—Nexcopy cannot unlock the device
• Available in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, from 2GB up to 128GB

Stan McCrosky, head of Sales at Nexcopy, points to industries such as utilities, petroleum, and waterworks as clear beneficiaries. “Being able to update firmware on a hardware write-protected USB ensures maximum in-field security. The command line utility lets manufacturers automate updates without leaving the drive in a writable state.”

How It Works

• Insert the Lock License USB into a Windows computer
• Launch the GUI or command line utility
• Enter the assigned password to unlock write access
• Load or update content on the drive
• Eject the drive—once disconnected, it reverts to read-only
• Read access is universal; password is only required for unlocking write access

Nexcopy offers the Lock License media in multiple body styles and colors suitable for custom branding. Options include Oxford (swivel style), Newport, Lexington, Augusta, Huntington, and Geneva. Oxford is the stocked model, available for same-day printing and shipping.

In stock, Nexcopy carries Oxford swivel drives in USB 2.0 (2GB, 4GB) and USB 3.0 (8GB through 128GB) capacities. Full-color branding is available through Nexcopy’s Logo-EZ printer.

The Lock License utility can be downloaded from Nexcopy’s support page. Note: the security function requires Nexcopy-licensed media—it cannot be applied to off-the-shelf USB sticks.

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?

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.