Magnetized USB drive

Discussion in 'Computer Science & Culture' started by Syzygys, Jan 29, 2010.

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  1. Syzygys As a mother, I am telling you Valued Senior Member

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    We have a leader keychange USB drive. Its top is closed by a small magnet. Now it seems odd to me to use a magnet for such a purpose so close to the drive itself. Question:

    Can we wipe out data with a magnet from a USB drive? (I assume yes, if the magnet is big enough)
     
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  3. Blue_UK Drifting Mind Valued Senior Member

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    Flash memory doesn't rely on magnetism like a conventional hard disk or VHS tape. It uses small pockets of electrical charge.

    A powerful EMP would do the trick, since a change in a magnetic field induces current; but a small magnet moving slowly would do nothing.
     
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  5. Pinwheel Banned Banned

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    Try it.
     
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  7. Rav Valued Senior Member

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    Even a conventional hard disk is safe from the effects of any magnet that an average consumer is ever likely to have access to. Ceramic magnets are a joke, and even much more powerful Neodymium magnets (such as those that are already inside hard drives, sitting a couple of centimeters from the platter interestingly enough) aren't going to do anything.* We're talking magnets that are so powerful that you'd have serious trouble getting them off your fridge if you were silly enough to stick them there.

    There are some larger, super high grade Neodymium magnets available for purchase that can do the trick of course, but these are dangerous even to handle.

    Floppy disks and VHS tapes are of course another story. You want to keep these away from any magnetic field.

    * Subjecting hard drives to such strong magnetic fields while they are operating has the potential to cause mechanical failure. The data stored on the platter will probably be fine, but that's no help if you can't access it anymore.
     
  8. Syzygys As a mother, I am telling you Valued Senior Member

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    Thanks for the answers.

    New question:

    I tend to have lots of static electricity, specially after a shower/hair drying. Can I damage data on the USB drive with static electricity???
     
  9. Rav Valued Senior Member

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    Decent quality USB storage devices are resistant to electro-static discharge, but not immune. If the data is important you probably want to discharge yourself before handling your device. Just touch a sink, or a tap or a grounded appliance.

    Alternatively, you could get one of those ion-emitting hair dryers which supposedly reduce static build up. But I have no idea if there is any truth to the claims that manufacturers make about them.
     
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