USB flash drives offer a number of benefits. They are small and readily available, and they can transfer a large amount of files at a time. USB drives can be customized in terms of size, shape, look, style, and color, and thumb drives are incredibly popular for their universal likability.
Unfortunately, attackers also find USB flash drives appealing. USB drives are an easy target for an attacker to identify with and to use to attack a computer. Attackers can enter a computer through a USB drive with malicious code that is detected when the USB drive enters the computer. An attacker can also infect the USB drive directly and corrupt your data. It is important to buy your USB drives from a safe, reliable source because from bank account numbers to family photographs, attackers have the ability to steal and corrupt anything on your computer or USB drive.
It is vitally important to protect your USB drive from malicious attackers. Below are five ways to protect your computer from those unwanted visitors.
1. Use security features
Many USB drives can be preloaded with a password or encryption. Be sure to use these features, as they can keep unwanted visitors out of your private information. Passwords are easy to set and can be changed more than once. Furthermore, by backing up your USB drives to another source, you can guarantee your safety if your files are lost or stolen.
2. Trust carefully
It is important not to plug an unknown USB drive into your computer. You do not know what could be on that USB drive, and you do not want to take the risk of giving your computer virus. If you find a lost USB drive, take it a security office or local IT department; they will be able to identify the owner or tell you if the drive is safe to use.
3. Keep separate USB drives
USB drives are wonderful for holding a variety of information in one place. However, using a separate USB drive for business use and personal use is usually a smart option. You want to keep your private life separate from your business life. When you insert a personal flash drive into a computer owned by your employer, your personal information can be shared. The opposite is also true, and you probably do not want information from your job cluttering your home computer.
4. Keep software up to date
Security software is vital for protecting your USB drives from harm, so use and maintain security software. Types of security software include firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware software, all of which make your computer less vulnerable to attacks. Patches can also be applied to keep the software on your computer up to date.
5. Disable automatic opening
Many computers feature programs that automatically open devices like flash drives, CDs, and DVDs when they are inserted into the computer. Automatic opening is convenient, but it’s not the most secure method of use. By disabling any automatic opening settings, you prevent a malicious code from entering your computer. These settings can be found under your general computer application settings.
Security is essential to protect your USB flash drives and the files that they contain. CFgear, the custom flash drive company behind the tips above, offers a variety of customized, personalized products with added security. For more information and to see everything CFgear has to offer, visit their website at www.cfgear.com. And CFgear is a USA-based company, so if you live near the Sioux Falls, South Dakota region, CFgear invites you to stop by their showroom at 2818 W 12th Street in Sioux Falls.
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