USB thumb drives are a handy way to store important files. Lately, they've become a very popular way of transporting data between home computers and work or school. Unless you pay attention to security, they can create big problems.
You might know them as flash drives, key drives or jump drives. They plug into a computer's Universal Serial Bus port and can hold anywhere from 16 megabytes to a whopping 8 gigabytes of data. And they're more resilient than DVDs or CDs. (Related item: Ask Kim)
The greatest benefit of thumb drives is their portability. They slip easily into your pocket. But that's also their greatest drawback. They're easily lost or stolen, jeopardizing your sensitive data. Also, they can transfer viruses between computers.
So here are four security tips:
1. Guard it carefully
Many people are careless with thumb drives. People often leave them lying around or attach the drives to key chains. How often have you lost your keys?
Better are ones that you can attach to a cord and wear around your neck. This won't appeal to the fashion-conscious, but it helps prevent loss or theft.
Some thumb drives have cords that connect to the drive's protective removable cap. Forgo these. You want one with a cord that connects to the body of the drive.
2. Watch out for viruses
Be careful when you connect your thumb drive to shared computers. Just like floppy disks, thumb drives can easily transfer viruses.
Make sure you're only transferring data. Any computer you connect the drive to should have anti-virus software running. Of course, the virus definitions must be current. The anti-virus software should scan the drive as soon as it is connected.
If the drive isn't from a trusted source, don't connect it to your computer.
3. Encrypt your data
If your thumb drive falls into the wrong hands, your data is fair game. So it is important to protect your files.
Encryption will "scramble" your data. It can only be unscrambled with the correct password. Encryption that is 128-bit is very secure.
Many drives come bundled with encryption features. Double-check that the encryption software is not a trial version. Otherwise, you will need to pay to use it once the trial expires.
Once you set up the encryption software, get in the habit of using it. And don't forget to create a strong password. A combination of at least eight numbers and upper- and lower-case letters is most effective. Don't use an easily recognizable word, but make sure you can remember it — without writing it down.
If your thumb drive doesn't have encryption software, you can buy additional software. Programs like File Encryption XP (www.cp-lab.com, $30), Folder Crypto Password (www.folder-password-protect.com, $20) and Folder Lock (www.newsoftwares.net, $35) can encrypt your thumb drive files.
Additionally, some manufacturers make drives with biometric fingerprint readers. A built-in scanner reads your fingerprint before granting access to the drive. This provides excellent security. Expect to pay a premium for this feature.
Drives with biometric scanners require that software be installed on the computer. This limits where you can access your thumb drive. You might find yourself in a situation where you can't access your data.
4. Back up your data
Losing your thumb drive is painful, even when the contents are protected. So, back up your data!
You should always keep multiple copies of important data. This is particularly true when the storage medium is susceptible to loss or damage. Most thumb drives are made of plastic, which isn't always durable.
For more information on thumb drives
About the Author:
Komando hosts a national radio show about computers and the Internet. To find the station nearest you broadcasting Kim's show, visit: www.komando.com/findkimonair.asp. To subscribe to Kim's free weekly e-mail newsletter, sign up at: www.komando.com/newsletter.asp.
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