There's two different problems here: how you interpret arbitrary strings of bits and how you interpret arbitrary buts of matter as representing bits or not. Ye

There's two different problems here: how you interpret arbitrary strings of bits and how you interpret arbitrary buts of matter as representing bits or not. Yes, figuring out/assuming that the bit cells in the thumb drive represented bits might be difficult. Then again, if you can look and see what the internal physical structure of this thing is, you might see a pattern of highs and lows. But sure, getting from an inefficient physical structure to a series of digits is a step. But once you're there, maths has things to say about the possible information content of strings of bits.