How To Prevent Security Threats By USB Flash Drives On Your Computer

Nowadays, people carry large amounts of files with them without having to bother carrying their computer. A common and handy device popularly known as USB Flash Drive (Universal Serial Bus Storage Disc) has long been seen as one fundamental gadget in virtually all the social-economic environment, as it proffers a more convenient and easy means of storing and transferring massive amounts of data/files from virtually any computer. This feature is what made it kick aside the one time used Floppy disc and Compact disc (CD) which as a matter of their bulk low capacity no more invoke. Unlike floppy and compact discs, USB flash drives are smaller, faster and above all durable. While the USB flash drives plays smooth for today’s technology needs, its uncontrolled use can be catastrophic to information security and confidentiality of your files and that of your computer.

In this post, I will be sharing with you, some important security tips which you can employ to checkmate the security threats posed by USB flash drives on your computer.

What are the most common threats of USB Flash drive to my Computer?
Some of the potential threats which USB flash drive poses on your computer include:

• Loss of data or files (a potential threat)


• Spread of malware


• Spread of virus and Trojans

Security Measures for Checking USB Flash Drive Threats
1.    Disable USB Interface: Disabling the USB interface renders the USB ports on your computer unusable, which means that any USB device that is plug-in will not be “READ” by your computer, hence this makes the content in your flash drive unaccessible. By disabling the USB interface, you prevent the unauthorized use of USB flash drives on your computer.

It is very important you note that most of the malware which spreads through your USB device are as a result of the Autorun feature which by default automatically executes a said file mentioned in the autorun.inf file usually located at the root of your flash drive. This feature shows up with a prompt message “Open folder to view file” this will show if the autorun is enabled, and if it opens, infectious files in your flash drive will have their way to your computer system. Hence the ideal thing to do will be to disable the autorun feature which automatically will block or stop the “Open folder to view file”
Search. Check “How to disable Autorun in Flash drive”

2.    Install a USB Disk Security Software: The USB Disk Security Software helps to first scan any USB device that is plugged in the USB ports of your computer. It uses heuristic analyzer to scan your USB drive and check for potential malicious behaviour once you plug it.
 
Features of the USB Disk Security and its Functions

• Access Control: makes USB drives that are connected to your computer “read only”, and also prevents/disables unauthorized persons from copying files from your computer to their flash drives

 

• System Tools: restores malicious changes done on your system files and deletes files of malicious programs that stay in the temporary internet directory.

 

• “Lock” Drive Control: allows you to password the USB ports and makes any USB storage device unavailable until the correct password is entered.

3.    Create a “Guest” User Account: If you live in a house where your children, relatives or friends always desire to use your computer, then you might consider creating a Guest User Account on your computer. When you create the account, disable the USB connection associated with the account. By creating a guest user account, you prevent people around you from connecting or using USB devices on the owner or personal account which is your own account. Also make sure that password is set on your personal account because USB ports will be active on your account.

If you can't do it yourself, then try hiring an IT personal to help you with them.