Cloud storage made USB flash drives feel obsolete, but they still have practical uses that can save money and boost privacy. According to Engadget, old drives can be turned into a network-attached storage (NAS) device simply by plugging them into a router's USB port and enabling file sharing in the router settings. This creates a private local cloud accessible to anyone on the same network, without relying on third-party services.
For remote access, the article suggests pairing a free tool called HFS with ngrok, a secure tunneling service. HFS turns a home computer into an HTTP file server, while ngrok provides a secure link for outside access. The caveat is that both programs must be running on the home computer, and exposing local folders to the internet carries risks unless properly secured.
Another repurposing idea is using a flash drive as a physical login key. On Windows, the free and open-source USB Raptor locks and unlocks the computer when the drive is inserted or removed. Rohos offers similar functionality for both Windows and Macs, but requires a paid subscription. This approach avoids weak passwords, though it means carrying an extra physical device.
For businesses or individuals, these tricks turn forgotten hardware into low-cost storage and security tools. However, the source notes that remote file sharing demands careful setup and security precautions, so the trade-off between convenience and risk should be weighed before relying on them for sensitive data.