Utility companies are starting to increase the number of remote substations in rural areas. Contained within the substations are computer-based monitoring systems to control, monitor, analyze and report safety information, efficiencies and data analytics. Viking Technology supplies Write-Protect USB drives to utility personnel who use the device to upgrade system software, firmware image upgrades and download mission-critical data to and from remote locations. Information technology personnel load new software or storage images at the corporate headquarters on the Viking Technology Write-Protect USB Device. Once the information has been loaded onto the device, it can be locked using the mechanical switch located on the side of the USB by moving it to the “Locked” position. This means that the new firmware image or software upgrade is secure and cannot be altered in any way. The USB storage device is now ready to be deployed by the utility company’s field personnel. The USB Device is then transported to the remote substation where a much needed system upgrade is made. While the field technician is at the remote substation location, mission critical information is downloaded to be taken back to the company’s headquarters for further system analysis. This information is essential to the remote substation as it creates efficiencies and collects pertinent data yielding higher safety results.