A USB drive, or flash drive, is a small, portable device that consists of an integrated USB interface along with flash memory. Many people might view USB drives as a safe, secure space used to store and transfer information. But, even things that seem as harmless as USB drives require a certain amount of caution. USB drives have the ability to pose a threat to the security of your system.
Losing or Misplacing USB Drives
The most significant risk to security that USB drives could create occurs if the drive is lost or misplaced. They can be easy to lose since they are often very small. If your USB drive is not password protected or encrypted, anyone who gets their hands on the drive could access the information stored on it. However, if it is protected somehow, you don’t have to be as concerned. Although losing a USB drive is dangerous either way, there is less of a chance that a security breach happens if the drive is protected or encrypted.
USB Drives Can Contain Malware
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to access a business’ sensitive information. Since USB drives are popular and sometimes easy to get into, they are a common target and tool for cybercriminals. Through a malicious USB device, a cybercriminal may be able to attack your system. These drives will contain some sort of malware or ransomware that will be used to gain control of your device automatically after plugging it in. Never plug an unknown USB drive into your computer, or one that you don’t know for sure is safe. This is especially dangerous if plugged into an unprotected device.
Lack of Employee Education
The average person probably isn’t aware of just how many ways a USB drive can be dangerous. Uneducated employees won’t know to be careful and cautious. It is important to engage in training and awareness exercises as a company in order to ensure the safety of your systems. Some people may not know that USB drives can contain malware, or that their own USB drives can be encrypted or password protected, so it is crucial to spread this information and maintain a secure network.
Other Risks
Along the same lines as the unknown USB drives with malware, there are additional risks. If an employee uses a flash drive to transfer data from a virus-infected device to another device, that second device could also be at risk of getting the virus from the first. Since viruses can sometimes go undetected, even trusted USB drives could accidentally contain malware. If a USB drive is given to you by a trusted person, it is still important to be cautious, since that person’s device could contain hidden malware and they could unknowingly transfer it to your device along with the drive.
How To Protect Your Business
Like I mentioned above, the first thing you should do is to never trust an unknown USB drive. Don’t plug devices into your computer that you aren’t confident you know the contents of. Password protect and/or encrypt your personal USB drives, if possible. And, train your employees on methods of keeping your company safe from security breaches, including ones that may come from flash drives. It may be wise to use separate USB drives for home and business use, if necessary, to lessen the threat to all of your computers.
It may also be worthwhile to invest in an IT partner that will be able to give you advice and monitor your systems. At Blue Oak, we can give suggestions for USB usage policies to enforce within your company, as well as help with keep your systems up to date. We offer services such as anti-virus and anti-malware/ransomware protection, data backup, and many others that will keep your business running smoothly and safely.
Read our previous post here: Leasing vs. Buying Your Business Equipment
