How to protect data stored in your USB drive

USB storage devices, sometimes referred to as flash drives, can be invaluable tools for offices.

Small, lightweight and easy to use, they can hold vast amounts of data, facilitating storage and sharing. If you need to wipe a computer, you can backup files you fear losing on them, and if you need to provide a colleague with data, they are quick and effective means of doing so.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to use them safely, and some tips for fixing USB issues if they arise.

USB drive security

The danger of using portable devices is how quickly they interact with your computer.

If they contain malware, for example, they can infect your machine almost instantaneously, and impact its operation and the data it holds.

Fortunately, there is one simple rule to follow for protection, which is never to plug a USB device into your computer unless you know and trust the source. If possible, password protect your USB drive to ensure no one tampers with it.

USB drive best practices

When you first acquire a new USB drive, format it, name it and add password protection. Always eject your USB device properly after use. Simply removing it from your computer can result in corrupted files and loss of data.

When you no longer need the files on a USB drive, you should wipe all data loaded onto it.

Having expert assistance on hand can help support your team when a technical issue occurs that impedes productivity. Call our team at 127 Solutions to explore bespoke support for your business.