What Is a USB Dongle?
A USB dongle is a small device that is inserted into a USB port.
USB dongles are often used as license activation keys to prevent unauthorized copying of software; by connecting the USB dongle to a computer via a USB port, licensed software can be used. They are small, portable, and extremely easy to operate.
In the past, parallel and serial ports on PCs were used. However, USB dongles have become the mainstream due to their convenience. In recent years, network authentication has become the mainstream.
Uses of USB Dongles
USB dongles are mainly used for software sold for a fee to maintain security and prevent unauthorized copying.
USB dongles are used to limit the number of licenses and prevent unauthorized use of software.
In recent years, USB dongles have also become popular for digital media players such as Chromecast and Fire TV Stick, and external Wi-Fi ports for USB dongles are also available and can be connected to a PC.
Principle of USB Dongles
USB dongles are devices that have a license authentication function by rewriting part of the program inside.
A portion of the program is compiled and stored in the USB dongles so that it can be executed within the USB dongles.
The program itself rewrites the program to call the program stored in the USB dongles.
This is the principle of preventing unauthorized use of the USB dongles. This ensures that only the owner of the USB dongles can use the software.
Previously, if a program was completely copied, it could be duplicated in large quantities. However, with the advent of USB dongles, these duplications can now be prevented.
In addition, data is stored by applying a voltage to the elements inside the USB dongles. It must be handled with care, and data may be damaged if it is mishandled.
Types of USB Dongles
USB dongles are sold in a wide variety of products, depending on their intended use.
1. Interface Change Dongle
USB dongles are dongles that convert another interface to USB, such as USB dongles that enable a SIM card to be installed in a PC or a dongle that enables Wi-Fi to be used.
Some dongles convert USB dongles to DVI or HDMI format. Some products are used for in-vehicle applications and add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions to car navigation systems. Some dongles can transfer the screen from a smartphone to a car navigation system.
2. Protected Dongle
A protected dongle is a dongle that is attached to a PC to ensure security and has the function of checking for license violations. Due to its lack of convenience and the sophistication of other license authentication methods, the use of this type of dongle has been decreasing in recent years.
Other Information on USB Dongles
Two-Factor Authentication With USB Dongles
As security measures have become more sophisticated in recent years, USB dongles are increasingly being used as a component of two-factor authentication. In addition to password authentication, USB dongles are used to control access only from the PC to which the dongle is connected.
Generally, two-factor authentication uses a physical device such as a smartphone, but USB dongles are sometimes used as an inexpensive way to implement two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication using USB dongles is effective in preventing information leaks because it allows strict restrictions on who can use the device and for what purpose. It is also an effective means of authorizing the use of shared PCs or dedicated PCs for specific purposes.