Risks of USB Flash Devices to Business Networks
USB flash drive capacity, physical size and speed have phenomenally increased over the last years.
Not only are they useful but they have also been deemed indispensable for the regular computer user, owing to their multifaceted features and low price.
However, there are some risks associated with the use of these devices though they technically provide the user with the capacity to carry vast amounts of data in their pockets.
The primary risk is the loss of productivity and the breach of security that are associated with the USB devices.
Employees can choose to bring their USB devices to the workplace and download music or movies or software from the Internet which usually have malware and adware incorporated in them.
Though antivirus applications are designed to check the USB devices for viral content, the efficiency of their scans is under question since it is a physical flash drive.
Further, employees bring unofficial applications that are not suitable for the workplace and tend to install them on their workstations.
It may not be a viral application, but some software applications have portals which are vulnerable to virus attacks.
It has been stated in information technology and security magazines that the major reason for virus attacks on the corporate network is because of malware and infectious files on flash drives.
It is important to understand that the security protocols on office networks are powerful than those on home computers because the risks to which they are subjected to is less.
Because a USB device passes the scans on a home computer, it does not imply that it can be plugged into the office network.
Some USB devices have auto installer information packages which could lead to potential risks in the business networks.
Data theft and leakage remains the most serious problem associated with USB flash devices.
The workstation is typically the storehouse of business records, financial transactions and corporate information in the form of files.
The majority of the information is vital to the company for which they are governed by confidentiality agreements.
Employees have been known to access and replicate confidential information on their USB devices in an attempt to leak information about the company resulting in negative press reports and an overall embarrassing situation.
Not only are they useful but they have also been deemed indispensable for the regular computer user, owing to their multifaceted features and low price.
However, there are some risks associated with the use of these devices though they technically provide the user with the capacity to carry vast amounts of data in their pockets.
The primary risk is the loss of productivity and the breach of security that are associated with the USB devices.
Employees can choose to bring their USB devices to the workplace and download music or movies or software from the Internet which usually have malware and adware incorporated in them.
Though antivirus applications are designed to check the USB devices for viral content, the efficiency of their scans is under question since it is a physical flash drive.
Further, employees bring unofficial applications that are not suitable for the workplace and tend to install them on their workstations.
It may not be a viral application, but some software applications have portals which are vulnerable to virus attacks.
It has been stated in information technology and security magazines that the major reason for virus attacks on the corporate network is because of malware and infectious files on flash drives.
It is important to understand that the security protocols on office networks are powerful than those on home computers because the risks to which they are subjected to is less.
Because a USB device passes the scans on a home computer, it does not imply that it can be plugged into the office network.
Some USB devices have auto installer information packages which could lead to potential risks in the business networks.
Data theft and leakage remains the most serious problem associated with USB flash devices.
The workstation is typically the storehouse of business records, financial transactions and corporate information in the form of files.
The majority of the information is vital to the company for which they are governed by confidentiality agreements.
Employees have been known to access and replicate confidential information on their USB devices in an attempt to leak information about the company resulting in negative press reports and an overall embarrassing situation.
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