USB flash drives use no electricity and have no mechanical parts. Whether encased in plastic or rubber, the machines are durable enough to withstand electric shocks, bruises and dust and are normally waterproof. When the unit is unplugged from a system or the machine is shutting off with the drive still intact, information on USB flash drives can be maintained for a long time. This allows users to transfer files from laptops and a desktop computer for a USB flash drive or private backup purposes.
Unlike other removable drives, after attaching, a Flash drive does not need to be restarted, does not require a battery or an external power source, and does not depend on the person. Extra functionality such as password protection and downloadable drivers are provided by some vendors, allowing the computer to be compatible with previous devices without USB ports.
USB flash drive disadvantages include the need to perform a limited number of write-and-delete loops, data loss, and vulnerability to ransomware before the drive fails. Information leakage, as the systems are compact and difficult to control, is an issue. When the device is plugged into an infected network, a malware-related security breach will occur. But authentication and frequent checking of the USB flash drives are normal strategies to protect against security breach.