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USB storage devices are a convenient way of sharing and transferring data and files, but they also pose a risk to cybersecurity.

Before you use a USB storage device, whether it鈥檚 a 鈥榯humb drive鈥� or a portable hard drive, stop and think about what the risks could be of using these devices.

Risks might include:

• Passing a virus or malware between machines.
• Data falling into the wrong hands simply by losing the device.
• Targeted hacking could be in the form of 鈥榝ound鈥� USB devices.

A famous case of this was called STUXNET, which was spread through the sharing of USB thumb-drives. USB devices were used to 鈥榡ump the gap鈥� between network connected devices and scientific equipment that had been deliberately not connected to the internet for security reasons.

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How to reduce your risk

Try not to use USB storage devices across multiple machines and think about how 鈥榗lean鈥� the machine is you are plugging it into.

Think about where the USB stick came from. If it鈥檚 one you found somewhere, throw it away, don鈥檛 be tempted to use it or look at what鈥檚 on it. Hackers have targeted organisations by leaving USB sticks in places that staff frequent. Relying on people鈥檚 natural curiosity to stick it in their computer to see what鈥檚 on the stick.

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Think about how portable you are making your data

It is important to consider what you are putting on a USB storage device, what would happen if you lost it and someone else picked it up. Would they find your research data? Your thesis? Confidential material? Take a second to think about the data you are making a copy of.

If you are unsure about a storage device, don鈥檛 use it. Get a new one and use that. You might also want to consider if there is a better way to store or share your data.