Saturday, March 25, 2023

Journalist Plugs in Unknown USB Drive Mailed to Him

...it exploded in his face

Although these are just a few examples, they should be enough to preclude one from inserting a mysterious, unsolicited USB drive mailed to them into a computer. Unfortunately, one Ecuadorian journalist didn't get the memos. more

In case you missed our memo...

USB Memory Security Recommendations

  • Block ports with a mechanical port block lock.
  • Place security tape over that.
  • 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. Extend the “no USB sticks unless pre-approved” rule to them as well. Their sticks may be infected.

Trending… IBM Takes The USB Memory Security Lead

USB Memory Security - Thumbs Down“IBM has allegedly issued a worldwide ban against the the use of removable drives, including Flash, USB, and SD cards, to transfer data.

This new policy is being instituted to prevent confidential and sensitive information from being leaked due to misplaced or unsecured storage devices.

According to a report by The Register, IBM’s global chief Information security officer Shamla Naidoo issued an advisory stating that the company “is expanding the practice of prohibiting data transfer to all removable portable storage devices (eg: USB, SD card, flash drive).” This advisory further stated that this policy is already in effect for some departments, but will be further enforced throughout the entire company.” more