NewQuest IT Solutions, LLC

Thumb drives have become an easy and valuable way to store information on the go. These drives plug into the USB port of your computer and can hold thousands of documents, while fitting right in your pocket. For this reason, thumb drives are a popular giveaway at shows and events, but maybe you should think twice about plugging that unknown drive into your computer. We’ll talk about why, coming up next.

As a popular way to store documents, music, pictures and even videos, thumb drives are a great way to easily store a lot of files. What you may not realize though, is that these devices have become a favorite way to carry out data attacks on unsuspecting users. Here are three reasons you should never plug in an unknown thumb drive into your computer.

1. Automated Virus Installers – Some people think, that you have to click on a file for it to run on your computer. The reality is, that just by plugging in a thumb drive can immediately run and load malicious code, viruses, and malware on your computer silently.

2. Data Theft – Data theft has become big business for hackers and thumb drives are one of the many ways that hackers gain access to steal information from your computer. By installing their code on these devices they can get access to your pictures, passwords, banking information, and even your identity.

3. Destruction – A new USB thumb drive was recently released that has the ability to completely destroy your computer. Though this may seem like something you would only see in spy movies, this technology exists and has the ability to destroy not only the information on your computer, but the hardware as well.

While USB drives are a great way to move data between systems, you should always be aware of the dangers that can arise from using unknown USB devices. If you have questions about how to protect your network or if your systems, printers, or networks aren't performing the way they should, give us a call. We're glad to help.

NewQuest IT Solutions, LLC
(325) 716-4060
www.newquest-it.com