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David J Steele
- USB Removable Media – Dos and Don’ts
Knowledge Base
USB Removable Media – Dos and Don’ts
USB drives, also referred to as thumb drives, are a convenient form of portable storage that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They come in various sizes ranging from 4GB to 1TB and allow users to store data securely on the device itself or transfer it to another compatible device.
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When storing essential data on a USB drive, it is strongly recommended that users take advantage of one of the many encryption options available on the market today. This type of security measure helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access by encrypting it and requiring a unique password before it can be accessed. By implementing encryption, users can rest assured that their data will remain safe even if their USB drive is lost or stolen.
In addition to encryption, users can take other steps to better protect their data stored on USB drives. For example, it is important for users always to keep an updated anti-virus program or an endpoint detection & response (EDR) installed on any computer they use their drive with. This can help protect against malicious software and viruses that may try to access the contents of their drive. It’s also wise for users not to leave their drives plugged into computers while not being used. This could allow someone with physical access to attempt to access its contents without authorization.
When disposing of an old USB drive or transferring ownership, users must first delete all its contents and confirm that the device is blank. This will help ensure that anyone else cannot access sensitive information stored on the device. In a corporate environment, the drive should also be returned to the IT Department so they can properly erase the device to make sure no data is exposed or lost. Following these simple steps, users can ensure their data remains safe and secure on their USB drives.
At Intrada, we highly recommend never inserting a USB drive into your computer that you didn't request. Free USB drives can contain viruses, malware, or other deceptive programs that bypass security services and should be avoided. Hackers have been known to access computers through this method, so it is important to practice caution when using USB devices and only use trusted sources. If you have any doubts or concerns about a USB drive, contact your IT department and have them check it before using it.
The bottom line, it is essential to remember that the data stored on a USB drive is your responsibility. Ensure you follow your company’s security policies when using USB drives and keep them physically secure. This will help prevent confidential information from falling into the wrong hands and ensure that your organization complies with all necessary regulations.
A wide variety of USB drive types and manufacturers are available to choose from. Popular USB drive types include flash drives, pen drives, and external hard drives.
Pen drives are similar in size to flash drives but use a larger form factor with integrated USB connectors, making it easier to connect directly to computers or other compatible devices without cables or adapters. External hard drives offer even larger storage capacities, allowing users to store up to 16TB of data on the same device.
Manufacturers like Kingston, SanDisk, Samsung, Toshiba, Western Digital, and Verbatim all offer reliable USB drive options in different sizes and capacities. In addition, each manufacturer provides unique features, such as high-speed performance, ultra-compact design, or high-capacity storage, depending on the user’s needs. Some manufacturers also offer encryption software for added security when storing important data on their devices.
When it comes to encryption software for USB drives, a variety of options are available. Popular choices include BitLocker and McAfee Endpoint Encryption. BitLocker is a free encryption software offered by Microsoft that can protect data stored on USB drives, external hard disks, and solid-state drives. BitLocker provides users full disk encryption, which helps keep their data safe from unauthorized access by encrypting it using the AES-256 standard algorithm. McAfee Endpoint Encryption offers enterprise-level protection for USB devices and powerful administrative capabilities like remote management and usage tracking. It uses AES-128 or AES-256 algorithms to help ensure the security of your sensitive data while also providing detailed reports on user activity and storage usage.
For organizations that require even more secure encryption, there are commercial solutions such as PGP Desktop, IronKey Workspace, SafeBoot Device Encryption, and TrueCrypt Professional Edition. These software packages provide robust key management systems, additional features like tamper resistance, read-only modes, multiple authentication methods, and centrally managed policies for easy control over user access rights. These products can help organizations meet any compliance requirements they may have when it comes to protecting confidential information stored on portable devices.
No matter which type of encryption software users decide to use on their USB drive, the most important thing is to ensure it is kept up to date at all times to ensure its effectiveness against potential threats or vulnerabilities in the system. Users should also be aware of their organization's security policies when utilizing any encryption software so they can remain compliant with all necessary data storage and protection regulations.
In conclusion, USB drives are a great way to store and transfer large amounts of data quickly and conveniently. However, users must consider the security risks associated with these devices to keep their client information safe from unauthorized access. By leveraging the power of encryption software such as BitLocker or McAfee Endpoint Encryption, organizations can ensure that their confidential data remains secure even if it falls into the wrong hands. For those seeking an even higher level of security, several commercial solutions offer advanced features like tamper resistance and remote management capabilities. Contact us today if you need help selecting or managing your organization’s encryption solution based on your needs and requirements.
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