What are the Security Risks of USB drives?

A USB flash drive is a storage device that combines flash memory with a built-in Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The majority of USB flash drives are rewritable and detachable.    

They are physically small, durable, and dependable. The more storage space they have, the faster they work. Because there are no moving parts, USB flash drives are highly durable mechanically. The USB port on the device powers them they’re connected to. A flash drive or USB drive is another name for a USB flash drive.  

Security Risks of USB drives:

Your USB flash drive could be a security risk in a few different ways:    

• Misplacing your USB Stick: The most well-known security risks associated with USB flash devices arise when the device is misplaced. If your USB flash drive is password protected or better yet, encrypted, you should not be too concerned if you lose it. However, losing a USB flash drive that is not password-protected then there is a possibility of a loss of data.
• Malicious USB drives: Because 90 percent of employees utilize USB drives in the workplace, they are an attractive target for cybercriminals. The latter employ so-called “malicious” USB keys, which contain a pre-programmed attack strategy that allows them to steal a user’s data, gain access to his keyboard, monitor his screen (allowing them to watch everything he does, for example), and encrypt his data in exchange for a ransom demand. 
• Data breaches and losses: Data loss or leakage is another concern that might arise while utilizing insecure USB drives. Losing discs containing sensitive information disrupts the work process and may result in GDPR noncompliance. 

What can you do to keep your systems safe from infected USB drives?    

• Do not insert unknown flash drives into sensitive computer systems. This is a social engineering strategy where the attacker takes advantage of people’s curiosity.
• Use a different flash drive for your home and business PCs. This can help to lessen the danger of your computers becoming infected.
• To secure USB drives, always enable security measures such as fingerprint authentication. This will aid in the device’s protection against hackers.
• Keep your computer’s software up to date, as updates provide critical patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Disable Autorun: When removable media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB drives are inserted into a drive, Windows’ Autorun function forces them to open automatically. You can prevent dangerous malware on an infected USB device from opening automatically by deactivating Autorun.
• Create and enforce policies about USB drives: Make sure your employees are aware of the dangers of USB drives and what your company’s policy is on how to use them properly. Consider including a warning about the risks of USB flash drives in your company’s training. 
• If you have to share a USB drive with a co-worker, create a process for scanning it for viruses and spyware. 

For more details please read How to Protect a PC with a USB Flash Drive? article.