Internet Security Learning Center

Warnings Over USB Memory Sticks

Security experts say iPods and USB memory sticks are creating a risk for businesses and that over half of companies are not taking steps to make sure their data stored on these devices is safe, according to a recent security survey. Security firms are now developing ways to help firms control access to the sensitive data stored on the gadgets. A recent survey conducted by Information Security Breaches shows that 33 percent of firms advise their staff not to use those kinds of devices, but they do not change the configuration of PCs and laptops to stop individuals from moving data with USB sticks. Just 10 percent of those companies actually encrypt the confidential data stored on these portable devices. Several USB sticks and other portable media devices now contain both private and business information, which can be dangerous. USB sticks with U.S. military secrets were being sold on market stalls in Afghanistan recently. A recent survey by Centennial found that 66 percent of people misplace USB sticks and that 60 percent of those devices contain business information. MP3 players and digital cameras often contribute to the trend of individuals carrying a lot of data. Experts say businesses need to come up with a way to manage the information being stored on these devices.

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