USB has been around for quite sometime and was designed to replace the interface capabilities of the old legacy standard. Today, most PC’s, Laptops and other peripherals have USB ports or have the capability of connecting to one such as keyboards, mice, digitizing pads, digital camera’s, video camera’s, flash disks and the device types goes on and on. They have become so common that many security experts warnings on their danger have gone unheeded, till now that is. Recent security holes and other problems associated with malware and viruses that have been transmitted through the USB port have risen to the point security people had to listen. These interface ports are quite convenient and easy to use that even the most beginner can plug an infected device such as a flash disk loaded with malware or viruses that they easily get through standard security. They are so small that physically banning them can be next to impossible and I’m sure you’ve read the several articles regarding the iPod which was connected to the corporate network…etc. Expert’s advice that to minimize their use for no good, disable them on-board or do not bother connecting them at all at the hardware level. This would render them truly unusable for some people however innocent of the workings of a PC or other computer type can enable them in the control panel easily. Unbeknownst to many, most devices that have flash memory can be used to store files other than video or pictures for they can be formatted using the operating system’s format utility or the propriety software such as iPod’s iTunes which can have even the most basic iPod Shuffle function as a flash disk allowing transport of say documents and other such files.

Categories: Backups, General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, Operating Systems, Physical Security, Security Policies, Storage, Tips | Tags: Flash-Drives, USB-devices, USB-Dongles | Do you like this article? Submit it to Blogosphere News!