Most of us have used USB drives at least once. We commonly use these tiny devices to transfer data and important documents between different PC and other devices that support USB technology. Unfortunately, you might not always use safety devices.
USB drivers can also carry infection, just like storage, Wi-Fi, etc. So, what are the security risks of USB drives, and how can you know what kills your flash drive?
Let’s find it out.
Security Risks of USB Drives
- Misplacing your USB Stick is one of the most common security risks for USB devices. There is no cause for worry if your device is password-protected and encrypted. Nobody will crack the encryption. Ensure that you have your data backed up somewhere. It will keep all your information safe even if your device is lost.
- USB drives are an easy target for cybercriminals. Attackers use malicious USB keys with a pre-programmed attack strategy, which allows them to steal users’ data, monitor a person’s screen, and encrypt data in exchange for a ransom demand.
- Many USB drives carry malware and spread the infection across the users’ devices without them ever recognizing it.
- Data loss is another concern when using an insecure USB drive. Data leakage or loss can stop important work processes. Depending on what kind of data you’ve lost, it may result in GDPR noncompliance.
How to keep your Systems Protected from infected USB Drives
USB drives are a convenient way to transfer data from one computer to another, but they can also be a source of malware and other types of cyber threats. If an infected USB drive is plugged into a computer, it can spread malware and compromise the system’s security.
Keeping in view the security risks, let’s consider the proven ways to keep your system safe from infected USB drives.
Scan USB Drives before using them
Before using a USB drive, it’s a good idea to scan it for malware. You can do this using antivirus software or by uploading the drive to an online malware scanner. This will help ensure that you don’t accidentally introduce malware into your system by using an infected USB drive.
Enable USB Drive Protection in your Security Settings
Many operating systems can block USB drives from being used on the system. This can help prevent the spread of malware through USB drives, but it can also be inconvenient if you need to use USB drives regularly.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to protect your systems from infected USB drives. Antivirus software can detect and remove malware from your computer, including malware that may have been transferred through an infected USB drive. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date to ensure it can detect and remove the latest threats.
AutoRun Disable
Keep the autorun function disabled, and this prevents dangerous malware on an infected USB drive from opening automatically on your device.
Be cautious when using unknown USB Drives
It’s generally a good idea to be cautious when using USB drives that you don’t recognize. If you share your USB drive with a friend or a co-worker, or you receive a USB drive from someone you don’t know, it’s best to assume that it could be infected.
Instead of plugging it into your computer, scan it using antivirus software or an online malware scanner before using it.
Use a Firewall
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Enabling a firewall on your computer can help protect it from infected USB drives and other types of malware by blocking malicious traffic.
Keep your operating system and software up to date
Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit operating systems and software vulnerabilities. To protect your system from infected USB drives and other types of malware, keep your operating system and all software up to date. This will help ensure that your system has the latest security patches and fixes to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. Using a VPN can help protect your system from infected USB drives and other types of malware. Its make difficult for hackers to access your data.
Enable password protection on your USB drives
If you use USB drives frequently, consider enabling password protection on them to help prevent unauthorized access. This can help prevent malicious individuals from using infected USB drives to access your system or steal sensitive data.
Conclusion
You can protect your systems from infected USB drives and other types of malware by following the above steps. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and be cautious when using unknown USB drives to minimize the risk of malware infection. Make a good habit of protecting your gadget from security threats and malware. Never use your device on the computer and gadgets you do not trust.
