Using a flash drive is very common. For example, to go to a store to print a document, transfer some files to another person or even transfer data from one computer to another. However, those small devices can be a real security problem. We are going to explain what can happen if you do not take precautions and, most importantly, what you should avoid so as not to have security problems.
What can happen to you with a flash drive
A USB stick can be a significant danger to your security and privacy . They could even steal your personal data, passwords or make your device go bad. And this is something that can affect you at any time, even if you think that you are using a reliable flash drive.
Bring viruses home
Something that can happen is that you bring viruses home without realizing it . How can this happen? For example, if you use the flash drive in a store where you have gone to print a document. You have put it on a computer that may be infected with some malware and it may be automatically copied to the USB stick.
When you get home, when you put the flash drive back in your computer, that virus can directly copy itself and run. It could be a malware to steal data, passwords or cause any problem.
Using an infected flash drive
Another problem is that you use an infected flash drive . There are several possibilities in this regard and one of them is the most likely. If we start with the less common, it could happen that you buy a cheap USB flash drive online from some unreliable site and it comes with some malware that runs as soon as you plug it in. It’s not common, but it has happened.
Something that can be more frequent is that you find a flash drive that has been deliberately infected to sneak in a virus. A hacker can drop it somewhere strategically. For example in a library, university, etc. Its goal is for the victim to believe that someone has forgotten it and connect it to see if they can find out who it is.
Infect other devices unintentionally
But you can also inadvertently infect other devices. If your computer has a virus and you have plugged in a flash drive, this malware may have copied itself and now when you put it on another device it continues to spread. An important problem that can lead to the loss of information.
This could happen if you let someone else that USB stick or even if you put it on any other device of yours. It can become infected in a matter of seconds and you won’t always realize it.
How to avoid problems
What can you do to avoid problems of this type? A good idea is not to use USB sticks. For example, you can use an exclusive email to save data when you have to go to print something or use the cloud to send files to friends and family and thus avoid using a flash drive.
But of course, this is not always going to be possible. Therefore, you should take into account other fundamental tips:
- Use a warranty flash drive
- Always use a good antivirus
- Have everything updated
- In case of doubt, connect the flash drive in safe mode or use Linux
In short, as you can see, a simple USB memory can be a serious problem for your security. It is imperative to take action and avoid falling into the hacker’s trap. Always check very well what you connect. You can always clean a USB flash drive from viruses.