Content

Threat of the Month: Removable media

WHAT IS IT?

Any exchangeable memory media - USB sticks, memory cards, external harddisks, floppy disks, CD/DVD media - that can have information downloadedonto it and that can be transported. These devices play a critical rolein the modern mobile workforce.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Users download information from their computers onto removable mediadevices in order to store and/or transport data. Users can then extractthe data to another portable device or PC in order to work with it.

While convenient to use, these removable devices are often reported lostby users, putting the data stored on them at risk. Many users rely onmore than one removable device, and most report having lost more thanone of these.

SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Users report storing business critical data on removable media -including contact data, financial data and customer information - butmost do not take measures to protect this data.

HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?

Corporations can develop a removable media policy that outlines use ofthese devices and what kind of data can be stored on them. Encryptionsolutions that protect removable media devices, and still allow users towork with stored data, are also available.

Malte Pollmann, vice-president, products, Utimaco.

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