A USB drive is miniature technology but can carry data up to terabytes. From an IT expert to a layman, almost everyone has to carry data with themselves. Some years ago, sharing digital files from one PC to another was not possible without this technology. Still, this technology is making lives easier when it comes to the mobility of confidential data. Where digital stuff comes, the risk of its theft and damage also comes. Without following USB security best practices, one can’t keep their confidential data safe at all. These seven ways can help you protect your USB drive from any data loss.
The easiest and simplest way to avoid all the hassle and risk is by purchasing an encrypted USB drive. If you are not aware of this term, don’t worry because you will find it out in the next sentence. Encryption is about making your digital device like a USB drive secure from any data breach. This feature makes USB pen drive security possible.
No one can access your confidential files if you have an encrypted USB drive. That will keep the information regarding all the files meaningless unless you use a password to decrypt it. That is how strong this feature is. This type of USB has a higher price than an ordinary one. So, you would like to pay some extra money to save your data from stealth or loss.
In case you already purchased a USB flash drive, you don’t need to be disappointed because you still have a chance. You can turn that drive into an encrypted one with the help of software. Many software are available to install an encryption system in a USB stick to make it secure. You can get data encryption in your USB drive to make it secure from any kind of loss or theft.
➺ Just install that software on your PC and insert your USB stick in the port.
➺ Then, go to the Windows Explorer option to find the logo of an external drive.
➺ Then click the right button to get options regarding setting the password on your USB drive.
➺ A new window will open of the encryption software where you can find password protection.
➺ Make sure you select options as per your convenience because you can encrypt a few selected files as well as an entire USB stick.
➺ Use a unique password that can not be guessed by anyone.
➺ Do not share it with anyone, nor use a similar password anywhere else.
You will need the same software to unlock the drive because of its encryption compatibility. Since there are different types of encryption software available in the market, you will have to choose only one. If that software is not on the PC, you will not be able to decrypt your drive.
Encryption is enough because other factors also make an impact. Still, you can suspect security risks of USB drives in a PC. So, you will have to install anti-virus software on your PC or organization’s digital security system to deal with it. If you have already installed it on the PC, you will have to perform the following task before using your USB stick.
➺ Do not access files as soon as you insert your USB drive into the port.
➺ The first thing you need to do is let your PC scan the drive automatically or do it manually.
➺ Wait for the scan to complete so you can see potential risks inside the PC.
➺ After the scan process is completed by your PC, check the results.
➺ If all the files are clear, you can go ahead. If they have threats, remove those files or treat them accordingly.
If you are concerned about the security of your files, do one thing. You will have to limit the computer from reading any unauthorized USB drives. That is common in organizations since confidential data can not be compromised at all costs. An IT team has to ensure only limited and authorized USB drives can get access to a PC that is linked to the database.
If you are on your way to copy or share files from your USB stick to any PC, do one thing. One thing needs your attention, and that is the risk of leftover data. Never assume that the data you delete from a USB stick completely disappears from it. It remains there, and experts can restore it with the help of some advanced tools.
One of the USB security best practices is to keep the USB drive away from anyone’s reach. Even if it is empty, you still can’t let anyone get their hands on it. Format the data multiple times, add some random data again, and then format it again. Repeat the process a few times to reduce the risk of letting your deleted data be stolen.
