What Is a USB Attack? How to Protect Your USB from Attacks?

USB flash drives are a common tool for storing and carrying data today, but did you know that it could also be a way to steal personal information and even cause financial losses? This article will introduce the types of USB attacks and preventive measures.

What is a USB attack?

USB attacks are not limited to USB drives, and any device connected through a USB port may become the target of attack. Cyber ​​criminals will implant viruses or malware into USB drives or USB ports. When you connect an infected USB drive, your device will be infected. These hackers can then steal personal or confidential information from your device.

USB attack type

Here are some common types of USB attacks:

• Programmable Microcontroller USB Attack: Hackers preload malicious keystroke operations in the microcontroller. When connecting to a USB flash drive, these key operations will automatically run to steal your data.
• Reprogrammed USB firmware attack: The modified USB drive looks normal, but will automatically download virus-infected files or run malware on your device. Some USB drives have been modified to bypass the device password and collect secret data.
• Unprogrammed USB attacks: This type of attack does not reprogram the USB drive, but the USB drive contains hidden partitions, or a hidden partition will be created after connection. This hidden partition is used to extract your data, which you cannot delete or format.
• Electric Shock Attack: Also known as USB Killer. An infected USB drive connected to your computer can cause a short circuit and damage your computer.
• USB attack: Cyber ​​criminals will leave infected USB drives in public places and wait for others to pick them up. Once the USB drive is inserted, it will start installing malware on your device or providing remote access to hackers.

How to prevent USB attacks?

USB attacks can occur in various scenarios. So, how to prevent it? Here are some suggestions:

• Use only a trusted USB drive: The best way to avoid USB drive attacks is to use only a USB drive you trust. Do not plug any suspicious USB drive into your computer.
• Running genuine antivirus software: Running genuine antivirus software on your computer helps detect most viruses and malware. You also need to regularly scan the USB flash drive.
• Encrypting important and personal data: Encrypting files requires a password to access. If someone tries to steal data from your computer or device, they will not be able to read and use it.
• Distinguish between personal and working USB drives: It is very necessary to distinguish between public and private USB drives. Since you may connect a public or work-related USB drive to many public devices, you should not save personal information on it to protect your data security.

How to improve USB security?

Protecting USB drive data is the key to avoiding USB attacks. Backing up important data to different devices should be common sense. This helps deal with data loss or other unexpected problems.

For data backup, you can choose professional data backup software, such as MiniTool ShadowMaker. You can use this software to perform three different types of backups: full backup, differential backup, and incremental backup. In addition, you can set the backup cycle according to your needs. Get the trial version, and you can experience the backup function for free within 30 days.

If your USB drive is infected with a virus, you should first use MiniTool Power Data Recovery to recover the required files from the USB drive. This file recovery software allows you to recover files from virus-infected devices, unrecognized drives, unbootable computers, and more. Connect the USB drive to an unused computer, start the software to scan and recover the files. You can click the download button below to download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free. Run the free version to find and recover files up to 1GB for free.

Conclusion

When encountering a USB attack, stay calm and take action to rescue your data first. Read this article to learn about the types of USB attacks and get advice to protect your device from any USB attacks.

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