How to Secure Data on a Memory Stick

Learn how to secure a memory stick.

Memory sticks are a popular way to carry around files when you're away from your desktop or laptop computer. These unique miniature hard drive devices can work on any computer with a USB port and can store various amounts of data, depending on the hard drive chip inside the memory stick. Because the sticks are so portable, it's important to secure your data in case your memory stick is lost or stolen. To secure a memory stick properly, you need to plan for viruses, data corruption, data loss and physically losing the stick.

Things You'll Need

• Virus scan software
• Keys

Instructions

1. Plug your memory stick into your computer so you can use a virus scan program to scan the memory stick daily. Memory sticks are often used on multiple PCs. Therefore, it's very easy to pick up a dangerous virus unknowingly.

2. Click on the "My Computer" icon on your Microsoft Windows desktop.

3. Locate your memory stick and right-click its icon. Select the option that says "scan now for viruses" or something similar, depending on your program. This will ensure that a virus does not infect your memory stick and do damage.

4. Repeat this virus scan procedure daily.

5. Open the "My Computer" icon on your Windows Desktop again.

6. Locate your C: drive and double-click it.

7. Right-click in this window and select "New Folder." Make the name of this folder "Memory Stick Backup."

8. Go back to the "My Computer" window.

9. Right-click on your memory stick icon and select "Copy."

10. Open your folder entitled "Memory Stick Backup," right-click on the folder and select "Paste."

11. Repeat this backup procedure daily.

12. Save all of your open files and pull out your memory stick from the USB port on your computer. This will help prevent data loss and data corruption. Be sure to wait until the files are completely saved so you don't interrupt the saving process.

13. Find the key ring attached to your memory stick and join it with your keys. This will prevent the memory stick from getting lost.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're concerned with other people reading your files, you can use the encryption program that came with your memory stick.

• Don't force your memory stick into the USB port on your computer if it doesn't go in smoothly.

References

• Help Net Security: A Simple Guide to Securing USB Memory Sticks