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USB Drive Attacks: Why Found Devices Are Dangerous

Posted: August 8, 2016 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Malware, Data Breach, Cloud Security

If you see a penny pick it up. If you see a USB device, throw it away!

Or at the very least, DO NOT STICK IT IN YOUR COMPUTER!!

USB sticks are the easiest way for hackers to get malware on your computer.

Elie Bursztein, a Google anti-abuse team researcher, recently conducted a study in which he "dropped" USB devices on a college campus to test the spreadability of viruses. What he found was scary...

At a whopping rate of 97%, almost all the dummy USB's were picked up on the campus. Of those, about half were not only inserted into computers, but also had files that were opened. And if the USBs are marked "Confidential" or "Exam" they are much more likely to be opened.

Once the USB is in your computer, there are there are several ways malware can be infect your device. For example, the USB could contain viruses that are embedded in files then downloaded once executed. It could also direct your computer to a malicious site. Another way to steal sensitive data is by tricking the target into thinking the device is a memory stick when in reality it is a keyboard spoofer that can be remotely accessed by the hacker. Once activated, the thief essentially has unlimited access to your computer.

The list of threats goes on. But the important thing to remember? Be very wary of any unknown USB devices... Always err on the side of caution.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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