Free USB devices could be vectors for malware, Check Point warns

Source: Victoria Police. The unmarked USB drives used are similar to these.

On 21 September the police in Victoria, advised residents of Melbourne suburb Pakenham to be wary of USB flash drives left in their mailboxes.

"Members of the public are allegedly finding unmarked USB drives in their letterboxes. Upon inserting the USB drives into their computers victims have experienced fraudulent media streaming service offers, as well as other serious issues. The USB drives are believed to be extremely harmful and members of the public are urged to avoid plugging them into their computers or other devices," Victoria police said in a statement.

Check Point Software has commented on the phenomenon. "Hacking by USB devices are not new, and can wreck serious or fatal damage to computers (including holding users' data at ransom), or embed malware to infect the computers as zombie/attack hosts, potentially even landing users in legal trouble. While this form of attack has not been seen blatantly in Singapore yet, it would make sense to educate the public on how to avoid such risks, especially since some may succumb to the temptation of getting a 'free' USB device. What's worse, such attacks can also target business mailboxes, putting businesses at jeopardy should unsuspecting corporate users plug in such devices," a Check Point spokesperson said.

Interested?

Anyone with information about those behind the scam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers in Australia on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online

SanDisk boosts Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 to 128GB

SanDisk, a global provider of flash storage solutions, today expanded its mobile storage portfolio by upgrading its most popular mobile flash drives. The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is now available in 128GB* capacities with faster transfer speeds.

“With the explosion of content, people need more advanced storage solutions to keep up with the volume and quality of the photos, videos and files they’re creating on their mobile devices,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore. “Our goal is to deliver innovative, intuitive offerings that help them capture life’s great moments without worrying about storage limitations.”

Faster for Android

The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is ideal for On-the-Go (OTG) enabled smartphone and tablet users looking to free up space and easily transfer photos and videos to a computer. In addition to the higher capacity, SanDisk has improved the performance of the device’s USB 3.0 connector, which can now achieve speeds up to 150MBps** from drive to computer.

When plugged in to an OTG-enabled smartphone or tablet, the OS native file explorer allows access to the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive’s content. For further access, management and storage, Android device users can download and install the free SanDisk Memory Zone app, which is available through the Google Play Store. The app auto launches upon insertion of the drive into a compatible device, allowing immediate access to content.

Source: SanDisk. The SanDisk Ultra Dual
USB Drive 3.0.

The news follows a November 2015 announcement of the SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive, which is also available in capacities up to 128GB. The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers read speeds of up to 150MBps** as well.

Interested?

The 128GB SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is now available at a manufacturer's recommended selling price of S$59.

*1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage is lower.
Requires OTG enabled devices. See www.sandisk.com/dualdrive
**Read speeds from drive to computer up to 150MBps. Write speeds are lower and vary by drive capacity. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device.
1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

posted from Bloggeroid

Store data more securely with a Kingston encrypted USB flash drive

Kingston, the memory products provider, has released the DataTraveler 2000 encrypted USB flash drive. The DataTraveler 2000 offers hardware encryption and PIN protection with access through an integrated alphanumeric keypad.

Designed for global security IT professionals, small-to-medium businesses and corporate end users who require electronic data protection, the OS-independent DataTraveler 2000 offers hardware-based, full-disk AES 256-bit data encryption in XTS mode on stored data, with no software or hardware drivers needed.

DataTraveler 2000’s alphanumeric keypad allows users to lock the drive with a word or number combination. For additional security, its auto-lock feature is activated when the drive is removed from the host device and the encr

Source: Kingston. 

yption key and password are deleted after 10 invalid login attempts. An aluminum cover protects the drive from elements such as water and dust.

Said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston: “It is the perfect option to deploy in the workforce where a uniform encrypted data storage solution that works on many different OSes are in use.”

DataTraveler 2000 uses Datalock technology licensed from ClevX. ClevX’s innovative security and mobility solutions can be found on other Kingston encrypted USB flash drives.

Interested?

DataTraveler 2000 is available later in Q1 in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities* and is backed by a three-year warranty, free live technical support and Kingston reliability.

Operating System compatibility	USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (USB 3.0)**	USB 2.0
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (SP1), Vista (SP2)	✓	✓
Mac OS X v 10.8.x	✓	✓
Linux v.2.6.x	✓	✓
Chrome OS	✓	✓
Android ***	✓	✓

*Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash memory Guide at kingston.com/flashguide.

**USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)

*** Compatible devices only

New Huntkey power strip available in all eight Australian Costcos

Source: HuntKey. Huntkey power strips in Costco.

The HuntKey Enterprise Group's Huntkey SAC804 power strip has arrived at the 8th Costco in Australia. The professional power supply provider in China is a Costco partner and has supplied the strip to all eight Costco warehouses in the country. 

The Huntkey SAC804 has eight sockets and two USB charging ports.

"Huntkey aims at producing safe and reliable products, and our business philosophy is providing our members the best products at a reasonable price," said Costco Australia Managing Director, Patrick Noone.

Interested?

Check out the Costco locations in Australia

SanDisk introduces the Ultra Flair USB 3.0 flash drive

Source: SanDisk.

SanDisk, a flash storage solutions provider, has launched the SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive. The new drive comes in a durable aluminum metal casing and is available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB.

The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers read speeds of up to 150MBps¹, enabling transfers of a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds².

“As an industry leader in the flash storage space, SanDisk’s goal has always been to continuously reinvent and deliver reliable products. The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive has been designed to provide a storage solution for enthusiasts who need high-speed and stylish drives to quickly transfer their high-resolution photos, videos and other big files without any hassle. Our complete USB range helps consumers enjoy a smart digital lifestyle, anytime, anywhere,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore.

The drive features SanDisk SecureAccess software³ to keep private files safe with password protection and 128-bit encryption, and includes a year’s subscription to RescuePRO software⁴ to recover lost or corrupted files.

Interested?

The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive comes with a five-year warranty and is now available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB* capacities. It will be available within this quarter at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$10, S$19, S$37 and S$75 respectively.

* 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage will be less than this.

1 32 to 128GB: Read speeds of up to 150MBps; write speeds to drive of up to 15 times faster than the Cruzer USB 2.0 drives (4MBps). 16GB: Read speeds of up to 130MBps; write speeds are lower. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

2 Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfers with a USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors. For 32GB to 128GB only.

3 Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Mac OS X10.6+ (software download required for Mac, visit www.sandisk.com/secureaccess).

4 Registration required; terms and conditions apply.

SanDisk launches mobile memory solutions in Malaysia

Source: SanDisk. From left: Peter Mah, Regional Director, South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, SanDisk Corporation; Estee Chin, Country Sales Manager, Malaysia, SanDisk Corporation and Mark Eng, Country Manager, Singapore and Malaysia, SanDisk Corporation during the launch of SanDisk's new line of mobile memory solutions. 

SanDisk Corporation, a flash storage solutions provider, has announced a new set of mobile memory solutions to help consumers keep up with the need to capture more photos and videos than ever before, and share and store the content across multiple devices and operating systems.

According to a recent industry report from IDC¹, an estimated 1.6 trillion images will be captured and shared this year. Seven out of 10 of those images will be captured on a mobile device. 

The SanDisk Ultra
microSDXC UHS-I card,
Premium Edition is the
world’s highest capacity
microSD card for use
in mobile devices.

“As a global leader in flash storage solutions, SanDisk is well-positioned to offer mobile memory solutions for varying consumer needs,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager – Singapore & Malaysia, SanDisk. 

“We have solutions for many popular devices, and continue to deliver mobile memory solutions that give consumers the freedom to never stop capturing, saving, or sharing – with the benefit of fast speeds to transfer it all quickly.”

SanDisk’s mobile memory category includes: SanDisk microSD cards; SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive; SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive and the new Dual USB Drive with Type C Connector.

SanDisk microSD cards come in capacities ranging from 4GB to 200GB. Built to perform in extreme conditions, SanDisk microSD cards are waterproof, temperature proof, shock proof, X-ray proof and magnet proof².

At the 2015 Mobile World Congress, SanDisk introduced the 200GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, Premium Edition, the world’s highest capacity microSD card for use in mobile devices. This card can hold up to 20 hours of Full HD video³. It also supports the transfer of up to 1,200 photos⁴ a minute. The 200GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, Premium Edition, features a ten-year limited warranty⁵ and will be available worldwide in Q2.

The iXpand Flash Drive, with up to 128GB capacity, is the easiest way to transfer photos and videos between iPhones, iPads, PCs and Mac computers. It can automatically copy photos and videos from the camera roll to the drive when connected, and play all popular format videos and music files from the drive. 

The iXpand Flash Drive is only available at Switch, Machines and Mac Studio in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of RM289, RM379, RM549 and RM829 respectively.

SanDisk's Ultra Dual 
USB Drive USB 3.0.

Quickly and easily transfer your files between USB On-the-Go (OTG)-enabled Android smartphones and tablets and PC and Mac computers. Connect the drive to the micro-USB port of your Android device to move up to 64GB of content to the drive. Then transfer files from drive to computer at up to 130MB/s⁶ with the high-speed USB 3.0 connector. The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive USB 3.0 is now available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB at MSRP of RM39, RM69 and RM129 respectively.

SanDisk's first Dual Flash Drive to include one reversible USB Type-C connector and one USB 3.0 connector makes it painless to transfer content between new-generation devices⁷, and PC and Mac computers. SanDisk Dual USB Drive delivers up to 32GB of instant storage and helps you to transfer content. The 32GB SanDisk Dual USB Drive with Type C connector features a two-year warranty⁸ and will be available in Malaysia in the second half of the year.

*Images from SanDisk. 1GB is approximately 1,000,000,000 bytes. 1MB is approximately 1,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage may be less. 

1 IDC Worldwide Digital Image 2015–2019 Forecast: The Image Capture and Share Bible (February 2015 #254256​)

2 Read the additional information and limitations.

3 Approximations; results and Full HD (1,920x1,080) video support may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors.

4 Based on 4.1GB transfer of photos (avg. file size 3.5MB) with USB 3.0 reader. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors.

5 Supports iPhone 5 and newer, iPad Air, iPad with Retina display (4th generation), iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini and newer, iOS7+ required.

6 Read speeds from drive to computer up to 130MB/s; write speeds lower and vary by capacity. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device.

7 Requires device with a Type C connector.

8 Some digital rights management (DRM)-protected content cannot be streamed. Check with the content provider for playback restrictions. 

Six-port USB desktop charger takes care of charging headaches

Poweradd, which produces mobile device accessories, has released a 50W six-port desktop USB charger to address the need to charge multiple devices with a limited number of power outlets.

The device measures 4" x 2.9" x 1", and accommodates 100V to 240V voltages for international use. Two ports provide 2.4A, two handle 2.1A and the remaining two give a 1A charge. 

A built-in circuit protection system shuts off the charger automatically in the event of overvoltage, overcurrent, overheating or short circuits. The charger is made of industrial-grade fireproof materials for added protection. 

More details on the product can be viewed at Amazon here, or visit the Poweradd website. 

Tredan launches handy USB Traveller Plug at Singapore Gifts Show

Source: Tredan. Chia holding two USB Traveller Plugs.

Chia Eng Kiat, who owns corporate and gifts supplier Tredan Connections, has done the legwork and found that most business executives who travel carry at least three devices, a laptop, a tablet and a phone. They may even carry more if they own more than one phone and a camera too.

"Their problem is how to ensure that all their devices are fully charged before they leave the hotel. Most hotels comes with a single power point and some are located in obscure places that you have to move furniture and dangle your device while charging," said Chia. "Even if you have adaptors with multiple USB ports, the USB capacity is insufficient to charge more than two devices at one go as the same USB capacity is shared by four USB ports. Some folks set an alarm to wake them up to charge their devices and worse if you have companion in the room, it's double the devices, who gets to charge first?"

The problem has become even more pressing with the latest news that devices on international flights must be charged. Singapore Airlines has already advised that phones must have some charge in them on Frankfurt to US flights, or they will be confiscated. In a travel alert dated 8 July the airline said: "Customers travelling on flight SQ26 to New York JFK are advised that electronic devices, including and larger than a mobile phone, must be switched on at security screening to show functionality. Failure to do so will result in the device not being permitted for travel from Frankfurt."

Chia's answer to making business travel better is the USB Traveller Plug, which features two multi-standard sockets, two USB ports and an extension wire, all stored in a charger the size of a smartphone. The gadget allows travellers to charge multiple devices from a single wall socket unit.

"Based on our research and feedback from clients, their frustration when they travel is having to charge their multiple devices. Some bring extension plugs but it's bulky and the wire is messy and obstructive, and they do not have USB ports. Our USB Traveller Plug is small and compact; there is an extension wire that can be coiled, and the universal socket can be used in any country. With the USB ports you don’t need to bring another USB adaptor, thereby cutting down on your items to bring and weight," he said.

Chia spent a year doing research, getting user feedback and tweaking the product to get it right. The plug has been launched at the Singapore Gifts Show 2014, and he hopes to add to his corporate orders. He has already signed up corporate customers and have patented the design in Singapore and China, and is applying for more patents in other countries.

According to Chia, the plug is in production now and will be available for sale around end-August at the Qoo10 online retail site as well as at other retailers. Reservations are accepted by emailing sales@tredan.com.sg.

Kickstarter focus: Solar power for the rest of us

Spor Solar Charges promises portable solar battery chargers for the rest of us. According to the company, Spor is a self-regenerating battery charger for USB devices. It can be charged with AC power, or via the sun. "It can charge multiple devices at once, and can charge your phone practically as fast as a wall outlet," says the company on the Kickstarter page.

Source: Kickstarter. Spor Solar Chargers hope that the compact solar chargers will be the start of bigger things.

For US$50, a backer can get a 3D printed limited edition Spor charger, with an additional US$10 required to ship overseas.

The funding campaign ends on June 30. View the associated video here.

Kickstarter focus: A USB cable that charges smartphones twice as fast

Minsoo and Emily Seo have come up with a USB charging cable that charges iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones roughly twice as fast as ordinary charging cables. 

As they explain on their Kickstarter page, USB cables automatically try to communicate with the attached device while providing limited electric energy, whereas their DouBBleTime USB charging cable has a switch that limits the cable to charging only, shortening charging times substantially.

Source: Kickstarter.

"A simple yet ingenious special chip inside the switch talks to your computer saying, ‘I’m not a phone; I’m not going to sync, so give me maximum charging energy.’ This message allows the cable to bypass the capped out maximum power a USB can output and connect straight to the mainboard. The special chip also provides over current protection (OCP) and short circuit protection, which guarantees the safety of both your computer and device while charging," say the Seos on their Kickstarter page.

The second wave of backers can get their choice of a Lightning or Micro USB cable for US$18, with US$5 more for international shipping.
 
View the associated video here. The Kickstarter campaign ends May 23, and is already heavily oversubscribed.

Kickstarter focus: TwistVolt, the designer power strip

Most power strips are just that - strips that accept traditional power plugs. The TwistVolt is a power strip that has integrated USB outlets and is able to twist and fold so as to meet power needs as required. 

Source: Kickstarter website

"Our vision was to re-imagine the power strip, to be energy efficient and give access to all outlets. The result, is industry leading energy efficiency, enough USB power to charge all of your devices - fast, in a unique patent pending non-blocking outlet design that you would want to show ON your desk, kitchen counter, living room, conference room, or anywhere where it can be seen, used, and enjoyed," says inventor Michael Schroeder. 

 

US$49 gets backers a standard TwistVolt, with no USB ports, and US$89 a TwistVolt that has two USB ports. The request for funding expires May 5.

View the associated video here.