Why Is a Flash Drive Dangerous?

Flash drives are convenient, but they also pose a security risk.

Flash drives can be dangerous because of the security risks they introduce into a system. A flash drive can spread viruses or be used in malicious ways.

Viruses

Flash drives can become infected by viruses without the user knowing it. When you use your drive on another computer, it can become infected by the virus. Your flash drive can transfer viruses to or from your computer. These viruses can be annoying hindrances that damage or slow down a system, or malicious software that steals personal information and logs keystroke.

Security

Many offices are wary of flash drives because of the security threats they present. A malicious user can use a flash drive to run or install programs that the IT department of a school, library or business does not want running on its computers. Flash drives can also be used to steal or illegally copy data from a computer.

Prevention/Solution

Because of the security risks related to flash drives, many businesses and even some schools disable their use on computers. While this is an inconvenience for those who use flash drives for legal and safe purposes, for many businesses and other institutions it is the only way they can be safe against improper use of the devices.

References

• Japan Times: Flash drive viruses spreading fast: poll
• Labmice: USB Flash Drives: Useful Device or Security Threat?

Resources

• Microsoft: How can I prevent users from connecting to a USB storage device?