A Universal Serial Bus – USB device is a helpful external data storage device. It includes a flash memory that can store as little as 256 MB up to 256 GB. However, this USB stick can prove to be a significant security risk. People started considering USB devices a security threat after Edward Snowden used them to copy secrets from the US National Security Agency (NSA).
Steps to Alleviate Security Risks Posed By USB Device
In this article, we focus on the different security risks that can occur following the misuse of a USB flash drive.
Your risks include various major security incidents, USB-specific malware, and viruses. However, these security risks can be alleviated by using some good security practices. You need to take security steps for your USB flash drive.
Losing a USB Device
The most common security risks concerning USB flash devices occur when the device is lost.
However, your concerns can be minimized if you have a password-protected or, still better, an encrypted USB flash device. Moreover, if your data is backed up somewhere else, you will be secure enough. So even if your device is lost or stolen, your data will remain safe as no one can break the encryption you have set on your USB device.
To encrypt your USB device, you may use encryption software or buy a device with an encrypted partition.
However, losing a USB device without any password and encryption protection is another matter. Depending on the importance of the data stored on the USB device, your lost USB device can cost you your entire fortune. However, if it is just your resume stored on the USB device, then you should not be overly concerned, but if that device has very personal documents stored, these concerns will be very high.
Therefore the simplest way to avoid losing your USB device is to make sure that it is stored securely with your self. Wherever you place the USB device securely, you should also ensure that it should not damaged by any excessive shock or pressure, as it will result in the corruption or breakage of data.
Finding a USB Flash Drive
A USB flash drive if found unnaturally, then there is almost a 50 percent chance that you will insert it into your computer. You might think it is free stuff, so why not utilize it for your purpose? Unfortunately, this USB flash drive can also be a trap and can easily trap you into loading some malware into your computer.
A nontech-savvy would never check the contents of a USB flash drive, but a security expert would do so. Secure PCs with specialized security software should be used to check the contents of such an unnaturally found USB flash drive.
Various autorun malware can be avoided from infecting your PC if anti-virus software already protects your system. But this is only possible if your system is up-to-date. Otherwise, there will still be chances of malware infecting your system.
Therefore, leaving alone any USB flash drive that you find unnaturally is better. You can also put out a call on social media for the lost device’s owner. But you should never plug it in.
Giving a USB Device to a Friend
If you have a USB device and just bought a new one, you might be having second thoughts about your older USB. You might be considering selling your older USB device or giving it away. The important thing for you should not be the dreams of earning a small profit rather you should be thinking about data security.
When selling out or giving away a USB device, you should ensure the entire contents have been deleted. The data should be removed securely, and only after complete validation should it be handed over to a stranger or friend.
Moreover, several methods are available for securely wiping off flash-based media from a USB flash drive. However, every read and write cycle will result in disk aging. Therefore, it is best to wipe and bin older drives as they might not last long enough in the hands of the new owner.
USB-Specific Malware
Above, we have considered the risks of inserting an unnaturally found USB device into your computer. Moreover, you also need to know about the malware that can be run easily. Some malware, Trojans, and worms can also be found auto-running. This malware will attain a good level of success if your computer is not loaded with security software.
An example of such malware is BadUSB. This virtually undetectable malware can result in the hijacking of targeted computers. BadUSB targets an individual through an infected USB device and then seizes control of their computer or wherever the infected USB is inserted.
Know Your USB Device
Your USB device requires a safe and secure place from the prying eyes of hackers and snoopers. But you must also recognize it in an instance, even if it is in a vast mass of various USB devices. Thus recognition of USB devices is highly vital.
Security and privacy concerns revolve around the clock around a USB device. Therefore you mustn’t accidentally hand over your USB device instead of the one intended to be handed over. If you accidentally hand over your USB device, then chances are that it may contain sensitive data that may result in embarrassment or may also cost you your fortune. Therefore, you should keep your drives separate from the ones you use at work. Furthermore, you should check the contents before handing over any USB device.
If your USB is just like any ordinary one, chances are high that you might be unable to tell them apart. However, you can easily recognize your USB device with a flashy or showy design like Lego or wood. You can also apply some sticky labels on your device, but you still should consider placing your USB device in a secure place.
Conclusion
USB devices are mostly passed around, like silicon business cards, by computer users. Since we are familiar with USBs carrying malware infections, thus we depend on occasional reformatting and anti-virus scans. We can securely keep our USB drives from causing the next digital epidemic. However, the security risks associated with USB devices run more profoundly than our imagination. Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned good practices, you can protect yourself from the security risks that your USB device poses.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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