Nexcopy offers USB copy protection to a large number of file types. One of the advantages with the Copy Secure drives from Nexcopy is the fact our solution provides hardware based write protection. This means protected files have an additional layer of security, which is files not being deleted or formatted off the drive.
However, with write protected (read-only) flash drives there is a side affect of not being able to update the drive.
With Copy Secure flash drives there is an on-board and standalone app to access the protected content. For Windows the PCViewer is used and for Apple computers the MacViewer is used to access files. One challenge with copy protection is predicting the future of how an operating system will work. If there is a change in how an operating system works, it could affect how the viewer applications access the protected content.
One example of this is how Apple released the Venture operating system which affected how the MacViewer access the files. More about that here.
In the past, if a change affected our viewer application it was required a new device be made. However, Nexcopy recently created a method to remotely update the viewer applications on the device. This method paves the way for end-users to update their drive if there is an issue accessing the protected content due to a software or operating system change.
Below are the details for how and end-user would update their Copy Secure flash drive:
# Install the Drive Wizard software on a Windows computer
# Launch the software and in the bottom left, click Options
# Select Update Copy Secure
# Click the Upgrade button to begin the process
# The software will perform the update automatically. Do not disconnect the drive until the program gives confirmation the process was complete.
Step One:
Step Two:
Step Three:
Please keep in mind this post is talking about the update to the viewer applications used to access the copy protected content. It is not possible to add or remove copy protected files from the flash drive. Those files are still secure and unable to be changed, modified or deleted off the drive.
For other frequently asked questions about Copy Secure flash drives, please visit the Nexcopy Copy Secure FAQ page.
Nexcopy Inc., a technology company based in Orange County California, will be closed November 8th 2022 in observance of Election Day. Company policy was crafted in 2020 to ensure worker participation in the democratic process would not conflict with employee schedules. To provide flexibility for their workers, Nexcopy elected to close their operation on Election Day to provide employees the freedom to vote at the time which best suits their personal schedule.
Greg Morris, CEO of Nexcopy comments, “We understand each family is busy from day to day and Nexcopy would like to ensure those eligible to vote on Election Day have the freedom to cast their vote without worry of work schedule conflicts. By providing a paid holiday on November 8th, all employees can take part in this great American tradition.”
Morris continues, “Politics are polarizing these days and it is important we reach common ground to govern our communities and move our nation forward. It shows more strength to learn, understand and compromise than to be defiant, stubborn and short sighted. With that in mind, the proactive function Americans have as individuals to shape their future is to vote and support those who best represent them at the local, state and federal levels.”
Nexcopy is publishing this press release to show, and possibly influence, other corporations to take the similar proactive measures to ensure voters have their chance to cast a ballot come this November.
Although Nexcopy will be physically closed on November 8, 2022 for national Election Day, employees have the resources to correspond and communicate with customers if they so choose. The company culture is one that prides itself on a high level of customer service and support while at the same time providing a work / life balance.
Nexcopy Incorporated (2004) is a technology company specializing in the manufacturing of flash memory duplication equipment with extended focus on advanced functions of flash drives. Nexcopy provides alternate solutions for optical media which include USB copy protection, USB write protection, USB CD-ROM emulation and USB authentication technologies.
The updated mSD160PC is a computer connected microSD (TF Card) Duplicator manufactured by Nexcopy Inc., a California based technology company. The solution provides user with six copy modes yielding this device the most flexible and feature rich software and hardware product available for bulk data loading to microSD flash memory cards. The company offers this duplicator product through a network of global authorized resellers. Nexcopy is a manufacturer of flash memory products since 2004 with a focus on business to business solutions for data loading equipment and copy protection technologies.
The mSD160PC uses the USB 3.1 specification to connect the duplicator box to the Windows computer system. Based on the underlying technology, the microSD Card Duplicator is able to maximize copy speeds and write data to flash memory cards as quickly as the card will allow. Key features of this redesigned product include:
Copy 1GB of data to all sockets Every 30 seconds.
Read CID numbers from Secure Digital cards.
Drive Manager software provides six copy modes.
Software supports any file format (copy mode dependent).
User profiles in software to control employee access.
The user and / or system integrators may use the toolbox of copy modes to match their production needs with the Nexcopy duplication system. The six copy modes are:
Lake Forest, CA – July 19, 2021 – Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced flash memory solutions, introduces Disc License CD-ROM flash drives.
Disc License flash drives provide a migration path for those who depend on optical media such as CD and DVD but can no longer offer the product because optical drives are nearly gone in standard laptop and desktop computers.
The Disc License product is a USB flash drive which appears as a CD-ROM device when connected to a host computer. This is a hardware solution which emulates a CD-ROM and is read-only (write protected) meaning data on the drive cannot be changed, manipulated, deleted or formatted off the drive. This is the best method to create a USB CD-ROM flash drive.
“Think of a Disc License drive as a blank CD or DVD,” states Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy. “The blank CD-ROM will have the capacity of whatever the Gigabyte capacity the customer orders. Simply point our software to any ISO file and the data will be written with the resultant drive being that of a CD-ROM.”
Morris continues, “What is so elegant about this solution is being able to re-write an ISO file to the device at any time. In an abstract sense, you could say this is a CD-RW solution, but in the shape of a USB flash drive.”
With the optical drive quickly going away, users are seeking alternate solutions to provide data as a CD-ROM device. There are many advantages to CD-ROM discs which have served the technology sector for many years. The auto-run function of CD-ROM is key to many software suppliers who depend on a quick and simple installation process. The CD is a read-only device by definition so the added benefit of a virus or malware not jumping onto the flash drive is an inherent benefit.
Lake Forest, CA – October 19, 2020 – Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer and developer of flash memory duplicators, introduces the USB write protect Lock License flash drive.
Nexcopy turns the market on it’s head with the Lock License flash drive. A flash drive which is by default a read-only or write protected device. The device will accept a user password to unlock the drive through Nexcopy’s Lock License utility software. This new approach gives the power back to the user for when a USB is a writable device.
“The fundamental change towards how our flash drive works should draw attention for those looking for read-only USB flash drives” says Greg Morris, CEO of Nexcopy Inc. “What is unique about the Lock License approach is whenever power is cut to the device, for example disconnection, the USB is automatically write protected. This is the strongest first line defense against malicious software or virus jumping onto a flash drive without the user knowing. It is impossible to infect a USB drive if the device is write protected.”
Lock License flash drives require a password upon first use. This password is used to unlock the write protection and make the USB a read/write device. This feature provides a personalized solution for each business which uses the Lock License technology. There is no need to set the write protection after being unlocked because simply cutting power to the device will put the USB into its default state: a read-only device.
Default state of drive is read-only, a.k.a write protected
User assigned password to remove write protection
No password is required to read from the drive, acts as normal WORM device
Graphical User Interface (GUI) to set password and remove write protection
Command line utility for custom integration to remove write protection
No back door password or feature from Nexcopy to unlock the drive
Available in USB 2.0 and 3.0 technology and ranging from 2GB through 128GB capacities
Stan McCrosky, head of Sales, comments, “System Control manufacturers for waterworks, electrical utility and petroleum companies need a solution like this. The ability to load software or firmware to a hardware based USB read-only device gives system control companies an incredible amount of security for in-field deployment via USB. More importantly, the command line utility gives the manufacturers a secure way to unlock the drive and update the content remotely without the worry of the drive remaining read/write. It’s simply impossible for the drive to remain writable.” McCrosky concludes.
The Lock License USB flash drive is simple to implement. Steps include:
Connect USB to a Windows computer
Open either GUI or command line utility to remove write protection
Assign a password to be used when removing the write protection
Data load the drive as needed
Eject drive from computer once copy process is complete
At this point the USB is write protected at the hardware controller level
The Lock License drive can be read (used) by any device on any platform
Password not required to read data from the drive
Password is only used when removing write protection to make the USB read/write
Nexcopy Lock License media is available in USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 technology and range it capacity from 2GB through 128GB. Nexcopy offers six body styles for the Lock License media with a wide range of body colors available for each stye, all available for custom branding. The six body styles include Oxford; a capless swivel style drive. Newport; a classic rectangular shape with cap. Lexington; a classic rectangular style with rounded edges and cap. Augusta; a shorter style drive with large lanyard loop. Huntington and Geneva which uses an aluminum body for more durability and also better suited for laser etch branding.
The Oxford style swivel drive is the in stock media Nexcopy carries for same day printing and shipping. Nexcopy inventories USB 2.0 media of 2GB and 4GB capacity and in stock USB 3.0 media of 8GB, 16GB, 32Gb, 64GB and 128GB capacities. The in stock Oxford media is a black body with white swivel clip with full color printing via the Nexcopy Logo-EZ USB flash drive printer.
The Lock License utility is available for download off the Nexcopy support page. The utility requires a Nexcopy licensed USB flash drive. The Lock License USB write protection is not a universal solution for any thumb drive, a Nexcopy drive is required in order to take advantage of the increased security the technology offers.
Lock License flash drives by Nexcopy are drives where the user can set the write protection after their data load. This puts the USB into a read-only state. When the USB is read-only the files on the drive cannot be changed, manipulated, deleted or formatted off the drive. The write protection features is a hardware solution and set at the controller level of the device.
Lock License refers to a license Nexcopy puts on the drive to be compatible with our utility to lock and unlock the drive.
Nexcopy offers two software solutions to set the write protection to Lock License drives. Nexcopy offers a GUI (Graphical User Interface) utility to set the state of the drive. In addition, a command line tool is also available to set the write protection. The command line tool allows the user to wrap the write protection step into their own workflow process.
In addition, the Lock License technology gives the user the ability to unlock the drive, make updates or changes to the device, and relock the drive to make it read-only.
The user may perform the locking by either the GUI utility or command line utility. The above technology was made available and released in the spring of 2013.
Security Issue:
Nexcopy Lock License drives have been a tremendous success since its release. However, the solution has a security issue in that only one tool, or method, is used for all customers to lock and unlock drives. Said another way; any one user with our utility could unlock a Lock License drive from any other user. With the upcoming release, this security issue is resolved.
The Upgrade:
The upgrade consists of two elements. The first element is a fundamental change in how the technology works. Starting October 1, 2020 all Lock License drives default to a read-only or write protected state. Whenever power is given to the device the drive is read-only. The second element to the October 1st upgrade is a required password to remove the write protection of the drive. First time use of the drive will require the operator to set and enter a password. From that point forward, only the password will remove the write protection for that specific drive. Note: The drive is always read-able and no password is required to read data from the Lock License flash drive. The password is only related to making the drive a writable device.
GUI Screen Shots
Command Line Screen Shot
Each Lock License drive in the field since its inception (2013) will have the ability to programmatically upgrade to this more secure solution. The GUI and command line tool have automatic upgrade features to update any previous version of a Lock License drive. This upgrade is required for all Lock License drives as the previous technology, due to security issues, will no longer be available by Nexcopy. GUI and command line tool version 2.0.6 or higher will be required to operate Lock License drives.
Lake Forest, CA – November 20, 2019 – Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer and developer of flash memory duplicators, introduces the USB104SA, a 4 target standalone USB Duplicator specifically design to be light weight and portable.
“With the lack of optical drives in computers and laptop, the USB stick continues to grow in popularity,” reports Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy. “What we have seen is a demand for both small configuration systems for those transitioning from optical media to USB media and large production systems which we’ve serviced for years. The USB104SA is a great stepping stone for those coming from the optical duplication industry.”
The USB104SA USB Duplicator has a list of features which pivot from the larger, award winning, Nexcopy standalone duplicators. Features include:
Asynchronous copy mode, all the time
Binary copier will copy any format; FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS, Ext2,3,4, Proprietary
Binary CRC verification algorithm
Quick Erase and Ful Erase for disk sanitization
Four language modes in LCD menu
USB speed benchmark utility
Firmware upgradeable
Stan McCrosky, head of Sales, comments, “What we have seen, are small organizations and business requesting something low cost and low volume for data duplication. Our main focus is still business-to-business, but the growing demand for low volume duplication equipment justified the development of a product like the USB104SA.”
The USB104SA is a portable solution and ideal for trade shows or spoken word events. The unit weighs less than one pound and with a foot print of about six inches by one inch tall. The unit can easily fit into your computer bag, which is ideal for carry-on luggage at the airport.
The USB duplicator is powered by a microUSB cable which can be connected to your computer laptop USB port. A USB block is also provided for powering from an outlet.
“What I like about this unit is the feature rich firmware. We did not compromise on the firmware settings and offer less. We offer the same functionality as our larger standalone USB duplicator models.” Morris continues,
Lake Forest, CA – June 20, 2019 – Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer and developer of flash memory duplicators, introduces the USB-C400PC, a 40 target USB-C or USB 3.1 Duplicator specifically design for USB Type C flash memory drives.
Last month Nexcopy Inc. introduced the first 20 target USB-C duplicator. Building on that technology, Nexcopy finished the software and hardware requirements for a larger, 40 target duplication system.
The USB-C400PC Duplicator has a list of features which pivot from the award winning Nexcopy Drive Manager software. Features include:
Six copy modes
Binary copy mode supports all formats; HFS, Ext2,3,4, Proprietary
Unique data streaming to each USB-C socket
Binary verification
Erase and D.o.D. Erase for disk sanitization
Data collection to extract files off USB-C devices
Intuitive and informative Drive Manager software
Upgradeable to PRO Series for USB-C write protection
Upgradeable to PRO Series for USB-C partitioning
Stan McCrosky, head of Sales, comments, “Although USB-C flash drives are not main stream, we continue to get questions about duplication equipment for that memory type. I am excited to announce this larger 40 target system. The USB-C connector on flash memory will be slow and steady in the years ahead, and Nexcopy, USB Duplicatoris ready for that demand.”
May 23,
2019 Nexcopy Inc officially launches their first USB-C duplicator system.
Stan
McCrosky, head of Sales, comments, “Developing this niche product is important
for the growing demand of USB-C flash drive duplication. Optical drives are all but gone, especially
in laptops, and Nexcopy is seeing a trend from traditional USB to USB Type C
sockets in disk duplication vertical markets.”
The USB-C Duplicator has a list of features which pivot from the award winning Nexcopy Drive Manager software. Features include:
Six copy modes
Binary copy mode supports all
formats; HFS, Ext2,3,4, Proprietary
Unique data streaming to each USB-C
socket
Binary verification
Erase and D.o.D. Erase for disk
sanitization
Data collection to extract files off
USB-C devices
Intuitive and informative Drive
Manager software
Upgradeable to PRO Series for USB-C
write protection
Upgradeable to PRO Series for USB-C
partitioning
“Apple computers and Iot,
or Internet Of Things, are driving the force behind the increased demand for
USB-C flash drive consumption. Although
the internet is great for many data sharing applications, there is still a great
need for data dissemination off line.
USB is still the definitive choice among users to share data via flash
memory,” states Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy.
The official press release by EIN Newswire was picked up by The Boston Harold. The complete press release may be found on The Boston Harold website.
Lake Forest, CA – February 7, 2019 – From EIN News– Nexcopy Inc., is a leading developer and manufacturer of flash memory duplicators, flash drive printers and advanced function flash memory drives. Since March of 2004, Nexcopy products have been available through a world-wide network of authorized resellers. However, with the increased demand for buying product on-line, Nexcopy has taken the necessary steps to make our products available via ecommerce retail channels.
Greg Morris, CEO of Nexcopy, comments, “We are a solutions driven company who take pride in making sure our customers get the right equipment for their application. With the increased demand of flash memory devices as a tool for dissemination of information, many Nexcopy clients are needing to expand their production needs. By providing an on-line purchase mechanism, the process to acquire additional Nexcopy gear is quick and easy.”
Morris continues, “It’s important to understand, with optical drives all but gone in computers and laptops, flash memory is the product of choice in today’s market to share and spread information. This shift in computer hardware is having a direct impact on the demand for Nexcopy equipment.”
Nexcopy USB duplicator systems, Secure Digital (SD), microSD and Compact Flash (CF), are available through a network of on-line ecommerce retailers. The ecommerce websites which list Nexcopy equipment are house-hold names with trusted purchasing experiences. These on-line retailers include: Amazon, WalMart, Kmart, NewEgg and Rakuten.
Morris concludes, “We still encourage clients to contact Nexcopy through phone, email or our on-line instant chat with any questions they may have before purchase. We are a U.S. company, based in Southern California, with a reputation for being knowledgeable and experienced. We are happy to spread the wealth on what we know. On-line purchasing simply makes the acquisition process, painless.”
