The Swiss have created a unique flash drive that self-destructs if inserted incorrectly (video)
Ryan Walker of Interrupt Labs has released a security-oriented open-source USB drive called Ovrdrive USB, which boasts a self-destruct mechanism that activates when it is inserted incorrectly and heats the flash memory chip to 100° C.
By default, Ovrdrive USB is not encrypted, so it should be legal in countries where encryption is illegal, while providing an additional layer of (physical) security, Tom’s Hardware reports.
The Ovrdrive USB is simple to use. This is a regular USB drive with a unique activation mechanism. For it to be detected by the computer, you need to turn it on – quickly insert the flash drive three times in a row. Walker created an original mechanism of destruction. The mechanism reverses the direction of the voltage supplied to the device and heats it up to about 100°C.
However, it may not be hot enough to kill flash chips, but users can add substances for complete self-destruction. At the first stage, the disk partition will be hidden until it heats up, and it will appear as if the drive is broken.
This product is aimed at journalists, researchers, and other people who need an additional level of data storage security. This activation mechanism is not a substitute for full encryption (especially in countries where you can encrypt your data). However, it still serves as a good barrier to unwanted third-party users of the drive.
As part of a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply, the flash drive is scheduled to be released in August 2024, and its price is $69 with free shipping in the US or $12 for shipping to the rest of the world.
