The large storage capacity of USB flash drives relative to their small size and low cost means that using them for data storage without adequate operational and logical controls may pose a serious threat to information availability, confidentiality and integrity. USB flash drives pose two major challenges to information system security: data leakage owing to their small size and ubiquity and system compromise through infections from computer viruses, malware and spyware. The consequences of losing drives loaded with such information can be significant, including the loss of customer data, financial information, business plans and other confidential information, with the associated risk of reputation damage. As both consumers and businesses have increased demand for these drives, manufacturers are producing faster devices with greater data storage capacities.Īn increasing number of portable devices are used in business, such as laptops, notebooks, personal digital assistants (PDA), smartphones, USB flash drives and other mobile devices.Ĭompanies in particular are at risk when sensitive data are stored on unsecured USB flash drives by employees who use the devices to transport data outside the office. USB flash drive products have been on the market since 2000, and their use is increasing exponentially. Secure USB flash drives protect the data stored on them from access by unauthorized users. ( September 2009) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations.

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations.

Best usb security software 2014