Is it really safe to send usb FlashDrives?

Just curious, if it's really safe and ok sending portable usb flashdrives by mail.

Are datas and files inside the flashdrives not be corrupted or affected by custom's x-ray machine or any other similar checking devices that they used in airport and mail post office?

What's the proper way of sending a usb flashdrives by mail? especially if it's sent thru international destinations?

 

I don't recommend sending a flash drive via mail but if you have to you could use an IronKey.

 

You can order linux distros that are installed on flash drives and they ship them worldwide.

 

I doubt that every piece of mail is scanned but even if they are I don't think the drive would be affected since data drives are not affected when they are run through the scanners at airports.

As to the proper way I expect you could simply put the drive in an envelope and drop it into a mail box. If you want receipt signatures or some such you would have to go to a post office and they will tell you what you need to do (basically fill out a form and pay for the service). For international destinations you would need to fill out a declaration of contents and value of contents form. Beyond that the situation is the same as above.

If the data is sensitive it would probably be a good idea to encrypt it just in case.

 

USPS? No, not safe, but the biggest risk would be them losing it.

 

The risk is not corrupt data. The risk is physical damage to the device being smashed and crushed during shipment, or the data being compromised if stolen. So the best way to send a flashdrive is to (1) ensure the data is well encrypted (2) pack the device in a protective box, and (3) consider insurance and/or some method to track (and backtrack) the delivery.

Finally, for international destinations, understand exporting/importing high-tech devices and specific software is controlled. And of course, copyrighted materials could be an issue too. So make sure you are not exporting any data or copyrighted materials unless you are authorized to do so.

Note about packing the device - like all memory devices, USB flashdrives are sensitive devices, subject to damage by an electro-static discharge (ESD). Care must be taken to pack the device in an ESD protective sleeve to protect the device from static build-up in the packing material (such as foam peanuts or some types of bubble wrap).