While USB flash drives last about 10 years and normally get hot while using, that doesn't always mean your data is safe. There could be an internal issue with the drive, as a bad part may be ...

Known as the Ovrdrive USB, this flash drive is capable of reversing its voltage to reach a temperature well over 100 degrees Celsius. Ultimately, this alone isn't typically enough to fry a flash chip.

There are several factors that can influence the lifespan of data on a USB drive: The quality of the NAND flash memory plays a role, as does the general workmanship of the stick. Cheaper models ...