• “Found on the ground” USB sticks are risky. They may have been planted for you to find. Never plug one into a computer to see what is on it. It may contain a destructive virus or keystroke logger.
• Unsecured memory sticks are easily stolen or copied. They may still contain valuable information, even if “erased”. Always secure these data storage devices. In a business setting, the data on the device should be password protected and encrypted. The most extreme example of this seen to date is the Cryptek...
An encrypted USB memory stick with Da Vinci Code chastity belt!
This is what you want your executives to carry! (coming soon)
You can also make your own “cryptstick” using Murray Associates instructions.
USB Memory Stick Security Checklist
You can also make your own “cryptstick” using Murray Associates instructions.
USB Memory Stick Security Checklist
• Create a “no USB sticks unless pre-approved” rule.
• Warn employees that a gift USB stick could be a Trojan Horse gift.
• Warn employees that one easy espionage tactic involves leaving a few USB sticks scattered in the company parking lot. The opposition knows that someone will pick one up and plug it in. The infection begins the second they plug it in.
• Don’t let visitors stick you either. Extend the “no USB sticks unless pre-approved” rule to them as well. Their sticks may be infected.
Harassment Stick
The new Devil Drive elevates the office prank to a new level of sophistication. It looks like a regular USB thumb drive, but it’s actually a device of electronic harassment. The Devil Drive has three functions:
• Warn employees that a gift USB stick could be a Trojan Horse gift.
• Warn employees that one easy espionage tactic involves leaving a few USB sticks scattered in the company parking lot. The opposition knows that someone will pick one up and plug it in. The infection begins the second they plug it in.
• Don’t let visitors stick you either. Extend the “no USB sticks unless pre-approved” rule to them as well. Their sticks may be infected.
Harassment Stick
The new Devil Drive elevates the office prank to a new level of sophistication. It looks like a regular USB thumb drive, but it’s actually a device of electronic harassment. The Devil Drive has three functions:
• It causes annoying random curser movements on the screen.
• It types out random phrases and garbage text.
• It toggles the Caps Lock.
Just be aware of it should you hear complaints along these lines.
Chameleon Sticks
Some USB memory sticks have alter egos. They may look like simple memory sticks, but they are actually voice recorders or video cameras. Keep an eye out for these devices at business meetings.
Extra Credit
• It types out random phrases and garbage text.
• It toggles the Caps Lock.
Just be aware of it should you hear complaints along these lines.
Chameleon Sticks
Some USB memory sticks have alter egos. They may look like simple memory sticks, but they are actually voice recorders or video cameras. Keep an eye out for these devices at business meetings.
Extra Credit
• Lock out USB ports
• More USB security tips
The USB stick problem is only one business espionage vulnerability. There are hundreds more. When you are ready to fight back, contact counterespionage.com
• More USB security tips
