The primary difference between secured & unsecured external USB hard drives is in the security features & data protection procedures used by every type.
Here is an overview of the important distinctions:
| Category | Secured External USB Hard Drives |
Unsecured External USB Hard Drives |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Secured external USB hard drives generally have hardware-based encryption, that encrypts all data saved on the disk using powerful encryption methods (such as AES-256). This encryption is implemented automatically, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the data even if the drive is misplaced or stolen. | Unsecured external USB hard drives are not encrypted by default. The data saved on these drives is in unencrypted, making it readily accessible to anyone with physical access to the device. |
| Access Control | Secured external USB hard drives frequently demand authentication via password, fingerprint, (or) other biometric techniques before providing access to the contents. This access control technique keeps unauthorized users from access the data on the drive. | Unsecured external USB hard drives have no access control measures in place. Anyone who has physical access to the disk can attach it to a computer & access the data without requiring authentication. |
| Data Protection | Secured external USB hard drives generally have additional data protection features including secure file shredding, backup capabilities, & anti-virus protection to defend against unwanted access, unintentional deletion, or malware attacks. | Unsecured external USB hard drives lack built-in data protection features, making them more vulnerable to data loss, corruption, and illegal access. |
| Cost | Because of the additional hardware & software components necessary for encryption and access control, secured external USB hard drives are typically more expensive than unencrypted models. | Unsecured external USB hard drives are less expensive because they lack additional security protections. |
Individuals or companies that handle important (or) confidential data, including financial records, personal information, or copyrighted material, should use secure external USB hard drives.
The encryption & access control capabilities give an extra degree of protection to keep data safe from illegal access or theft.
Unsecured external USB hard drives are appropriate for general storage and backup applications where data sensitivity is not a major concern.
However, it is essential to highlight that without adequate security measures, the data saved on these disks is subject to illegal access or theft.
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