We all have a drawer filled with USB drives, many of which remain unused in the era of cloud storage and file transfer websites. However, these forgotten USB drives can find new life with creative uses. One of the most intriguing ways to repurpose them is by converting them into security keys. In this article, we’ll explore how to transform your old USB drive into a security key and discuss the practicality of this approach.
Understanding the USB Security Key
A USB security key is essentially a USB drive that serves as a two-step authentication method to confirm your identity. Instead of waiting for a verification message on your mobile or email, you simply insert the USB drive to authenticate yourself in various services. These security keys are available in different models and with various connectors.
Alternatively, you can use any old USB drive to create your own security key, allowing it to serve as a tool for identity authentication. Windows offers this feature, and we’ll guide you through the steps to set it up.
How to Configure a USB Security Key on Windows
- Connect the USB drive to your computer.
- Open Windows settings on your computer.
- Navigate to the “Accounts” option, usually found under the “Your info” or “Accounts” sections.
- Select the “Login Options” section.
- Depending on your operating system, the steps may slightly vary, but the goal is to configure the security key. In the “Windows Hello” section, choose “Set up.”
- Click “Add security key.”
- Follow the provided instructions to configure the security key with your USB drive.
If you prefer not to use Windows for this purpose, there are specific programs available that enable you to use an old USB drive as a security key for various services. For instance, you can download USB Raptor, a free software application for your PC. USB Raptor monitors all USB ports on your computer and activates your device when it detects the USB drive configured as an access key. If the key is not detected, your device remains locked and inaccessible.
USB Raptor is a portable program, so you can download it from its website, run it without installation, and follow the configuration steps to convert your USB drive into a security key in a matter of minutes.
Other Practical Uses for Old USB Drives
While using your old USB drives as security keys is a compelling option, there are various other ways to make the most of these stored devices. For example:
- Multimedia Server: Convert an old USB drive into a multimedia server, allowing you to access your media files from different devices.
- DTV Program Recording: Use an old USB drive to record digital terrestrial TV (DTT) programs when connected to your television.
- File Recovery System: Keep an old USB drive on hand for file recovery and system restore purposes, ensuring you don’t lose essential data.
- Firmware Updates: Use USB drives to update the firmware of devices like Smart TVs.
These are just a few examples of how you can maximize the utility of your old USB drives. By giving new life to these forgotten devices, you can enhance your digital experience and be better prepared for various computing scenarios.