Keep Your Business Data Secure: A Guide to Using USB Flash Drive Sticks

USB sticks are a convenient way to move data from one computer to another. However, if they are not used correctly, they can also be a security risk. In this blog post, we will discuss some best practices for using USB sticks to move business data. We will also provide tips for protecting your data against theft or loss. Follow these tips and you can keep your business data safe and secure!

When using USB sticks to move business data, always encrypt the data before storing it on the device. This will help to protect the data in case the USB stick is lost or stolen. You can use software such as TrueCrypt to encrypt your data.

TrueCrypt is a free open-source disk encryption software that can be used to secure your business data. It offers on-the-fly encryption, meaning that your data is encrypted as soon as it is saved to the USB stick. TrueCrypt is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

In order to use TrueCrypt, you will need to create a volume on your USB stick. This can be done using the TrueCrypt Volume Creation Wizard. Once the volume has been created, you will need to format it using the NTFS file system. You can then mount the volume and access your data as usual.

Encrypting a USB Stick with TrueCrypt

TrueCrypt is a very versatile tool and can be used to create hidden volumes, encrypt entire partitions, or just encrypt specific files. No matter which option you choose, TrueCrypt is an excellent way to keep your business data secure.

Make sure that you set a strong password for the encryption software. The password should be at least ten characters long and should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Never store sensitive data on a USB stick that is not encrypted. This includes personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account information.

USB Flash Drive with built-in encryption

There are a number of USB sticks on the market that feature built-in encryption. These devices are typically more expensive than regular USB sticks, but they offer an extra layer of security.

One example of a USB Flash Drive stick with built-in encryption is the Kingston DataTraveler Locker+. This device features 256-bit AES encryption and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Another option is the IronKey Encrypted USB Flash Drive. This drive features 256-bit AES encryption and is tamper-resistant. It is also waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.

If you are looking for a high-security USB stick, then one of these encrypted options is a good choice. Just remember to set a strong password for the encryption software!

How to properly dispose an old USB stick

Always keep your USB sticks in a safe place when not in use. If possible, store them in a locked drawer or safe. This will help to prevent theft.

When disposing of an old USB stick, make sure that you destroy the device so that the data cannot be recovered.

There are a number of ways to physically destroy a USB stick. One option is to use a hammer to smash the device into pieces. Another option is to drill through the USB stick or use a saw to cut it into several pieces. If you want to be extra safe, you can remove the chip from the USB stick and then physically destroy the chip. This will ensure that the data on the device is completely destroyed and cannot be recovered.

Physical destruction is the best method, but if you can’t do that, then you can use a software program such as Eraser to overwrite the data on the device.

Securely Cleaning a USB Flash Drive Stick with Eraser

Note simply deleting all the files on the USB stick will not make the files irrecoverable. You need to deep clean the USB if you are planning to give it away to someone else.

Eraser is a free open-source data destruction program that can be used to securely delete data from a USB stick. It uses a technique called “shredding” which overwrites the data on the device multiple times, making it unrecoverable.

In order to use Eraser, you will need to download and install the program. Once installed, you can launch the program and select the USB stick that you want to erase. Eraser will then walk you through the process of securely deleting the data on the device. Just make sure to select the “shred” option so that the data is completely overwritten and unrecoverable.

Once the process is complete, your USB stick will be wiped clean and you can use it again with confidence knowing that all of your data has been securely erased. Note Eraser is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can keep your business data safe and secure when using USB sticks. Encrypting your data and keeping it in a safe place will help to protect it against loss or theft. And destroyed old devices properly so that your data cannot be recovered.

As always, we are here to help if you would like to build an end to end data security plan for your business.