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Risks associated with unprotected data on Thumb drives

Topic: SoftwarePublished June 18, 2012

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Ever since thumb drives became conventional, transporting large chunks of data has become easier than ever before. Though, before thumb drives were invented, CD burning was the most well-liked way to transport large files from one PC to another. Conversely, CD burning took a lot of time and you had to procure a new CD every time data was burned on a CD-R. Lastly, compact disks had file size restrictions, which constrained how large of a file could be burned onto a Compact disk; also, they were fragile and often fractured/broke during transport. When USB flash storage devices were introduced, users realized how effortlessly they were able to transmit data from one PC to another. The USB Flash drive enabled the user to transfer large files simply by plugging the USB storage device into an empty USB slot on a PC and transfer files speedily. Moreover, the user could easily carry the USB storage device in their pocket, without perturbing about breaking or damaging it. The inventive portable storage device had unquestionably changed the way people exchanged and acquired data. However, due to its widespread popularity and affordability, many people began using it as their primary medium for transferring private information between personal computers without password protecting USB drives. As a result, this gave rise to mounting incidents in data leaks and crimes associated with identity theft. rnIt is estimated that data leaks and identity theft related criminal activities are rising due to widespread availability of unrestricted personal data such as social security number, driver’s licenses, credit-card numbers and personal addresses. You may be wondering, how is it possible for someone to extract personal information from a Flash Drive? Well… simply imagine yourself in this hypothetical dilemma: You recently graduated from high school and are looking forward towards going to college. In order to get an admission into college you are required to submit copies of your personal documents to the college administration department. Conveniently, you decide to scan all copies of your documents and decide that you can have them printed out in the college library. After scanning, you transfer the copies to your portable USB data storage device and drive off. Once you get to college, you realize that your USB Jump drive is missing and you determined it to be lost after thoroughly searching for it. While, an ID thieves forages your garbage by your house, he noticed your USB jump drive lying on your driveway. He picks it up, looks around and then runs off with it. Few months later you get a call from a collection agency demanding a payment for $10,000, confused and worried you call the authorities. Later, after a thorough investigation, it becomes apparent that your ID was stolen and several loans were approved in your name. Consequently, the ID thief had charged up a hefty sum and according to the credit bureau, only you are responsible for paying for it. rnGone are your hopes and dreams, replaced by a lifetime of debt, all because of one small mistake on your end. Had you protected your USB device with USB file security software, you would have been in a better position.rnFor more information please visit rnhttp://www.newsoftwares.net/usb-secure/

Article author

About the Author

Jimmyslee is the Marketing Manager at NewSoftwares Inc., a Beaverton based data protection and Information Security Company that provides and Secure USB and exte al storage media blocking software.

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