USB Drive and sensitive data: Kingston tells us about security risks
USB drives are among the most-used devices for data storage, especially in the company. Unfortunately, the drives themselves are lost every day, exposing sensitive information to enormous risks. How to solve this problem? Kingston replies.
During the current health emergency, many users have moved their work to their homes, bringing the necessary files with them. As a direct consequence, much sensitive information leaves the company boundaries to be transferred to PC, those connected to the home network, exposing the same data to potential risks.
USB drives are the main devices chosen for storing company data, devices that are easily lost or compromised irreparably. Kingston tells us about the advantages and, above all, the risks associated with the use of USB drives.
Kingston: 50% of USB drives are lost by the owner
According to research carried out by Kingston – one of the leading manufacturers of memory cards globally – there are many ways in which USB drives can become a danger to data security.
The numbers are clear: 50% of the devices are lost by the rightful owner, with more than 22,000 USB drives that even end up in the washing machine, after being forgotten in some pocket of trousers or jacket.
In 40% of cases, there is simply no idea of what happened to the lost key, while 48% of people who find a USB drive to connect it to a device and open at least one file inside. The risk of theft should not be underestimated, with 10% of the units stolen.
The percentages listed above highlight a somewhat worrying picture for data security. It should also be considered that most companies (71%) use more than five USB drives for internal activities. In 24% of cases, the data kept by employees are sensitive data: the risk of a data breach not occurring is to be underestimated. In one in two companies, USB drives containing this information have disappeared at least once.
In his report, Kingston cites a striking episode dating back to 2017. We are in Great Britain, where a man found a USB stick while walking: after connecting the drive to his computer, the 76 files found were connected to the security of Queen Elizabeth and at London Heathrow Airport.
USB drive and security: the role of encryption
Many organizations are aware of the security risks associated with USB drives, but many continue to underestimate the aforementioned issues. While 80% of organizations have already implemented specific rules regarding the use of storage drives, less than 20% of the same organizations have an obligation to use encrypted drives.
The latter represents, in all respects, the simplest and most effective solution to protect your data. Accessing drives with encryption is impossible for those who do not know the password; Added to this are useful advanced remote management functions. The task of companies – and IT operators – is to sensitize employees to implement the appropriate policies and to adopt encrypted USB drives.
” In some professions and fields, the use of USB drives is almost essential, ” says Stefania Prando, Kingston Technology’s Business Development. Prando adds: “To avoid any data breaches and consequent damage to companies, rather than eliminating their presence or choosing only specific individuals for use, the solution that we at Kingston propose is to rely on encrypted units. Reliable and secure, guarantee all the advantages of a USB drive and, at the same time, eliminate the security risks “.
