Removable USB devices are basic instruments for storing and transferring files from one device to another. Although they’re convenient to use, they can also pose a potential threat to your devices—especially when used without prior caution. There are reported instances, where researchers weren’t initially able to pinpoint the origin of a malware attack but which later proved to begin from the insertion of an infected USB flash stick. In the case cited above, the USB loaded some code and installed a malicious backdoor into the target system.

One early threat that can come from USBs is a malware dubbed as “BadUSB” which can take advantage of a fundamental security flaw, a vulnerability, in USBs. The malware could take over a PC, alter files, or even redirect the user’s internet traffic. While this is alarming, it can also be avoided by taking preventative steps when storing or sharing files on USBs:

• Only use USBs from trusted retailers.
• Don’t insert a USB into your device from an unknown user.
• Once a USB is inserted, always scan it using a good security solution.

Trend Micro Maximum Security offers the best USB defense, since all USBs inserted into your PC are automatically scanned by Folder Shield Protection for USB drives.

Protect all your PCs from malicious executables on USBs by installing and using a seat of Trend Micro Maximum Security on all of them.