# Write Protection

IODD provides robust write protection that can be applied **globally** to the entire device or **individually** to specific virtual drives. This ensures your data remains untampered when connected to external systems.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Emergency Security Connection** When connecting the IODD to an **unverified or insecure system**, always **press and hold the \[3] key while plugging it in.** This forces the device into Write-Protect mode immediately, preventing any malware or unauthorized system from modifying your data.
{% endhint %}

***

### Quick Hotkeys

| Action                     | Result                                                                        |
| -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Hold \[3] for 3s**       | Triggers a **reconnection** with **Write-Protection enabled**.                |
| **Hold \[0] for 3s**       | Triggers a **reconnection** with **Write-Protection temporarily disabled**.   |
| **Boot with \[3] pressed** | Starts the device in **Write-Protection mode** from the moment of connection. |

***

### Global Write Protection Setup

To apply write protection to the entire IODD device, follow these steps:

1. Press the **\[Menu]** button and navigate to: **\[USB Control]**.

   <figure><img src="/files/tqlPQ8msSEJHJJ03s9HU" alt="USB Control Menu"><figcaption><p>Access the hardware control settings.</p></figcaption></figure>
2. Locate **\[Write Protect]** and toggle it using the **\[6]** key or **\[Enter]**.

   <figure><img src="/files/TntzNsqUPbDGYgui2wHZ" alt="Enable Write Protect"><figcaption><p>Activating the global write protection lock.</p></figcaption></figure>
3. Press the **\[Menu]** key to save the current configuration.

   <figure><img src="/files/EBN6oVyFoV7it53oUhMF" alt="Save Settings"><figcaption><p>Confirming and saving your changes.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Status Indicator** Once Global Write Protection is active, the **padlock icon** at the top of the IODD display will be **highlighted in red**, indicating the drive is in a read-only state.
{% endhint %}

***

### Individual Drive Configuration

If you need to set write protection for a specific virtual drive (VHD/DSK) rather than the whole device, please refer to the Mode Configuration guide:

* [**Individual Mode Configuration**](/bootable-virtual-drive/mode-configuration.md)

***

### Terminal Verification (macOS/Linux)

You can verify the read-only status of your IODD via terminal:

```bash
    # On macOS, check the "Read-Only" status in the disk info
    $ diskutil info /dev/diskX | grep "Read-Only"
```


---

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