What Is a USB Attack
A USB attack is manipulated not only through a USB flash drive but also any devices connected via a USB port. Cybercriminals insert viruses or malicious software into a USB drive or a USB port. When you connect the infected USB drive, your device will be infected by the virus or malware. These hackers can then steal individual or confidential information from your device.
Type of USB Attacks
Here are some common types of USB attacks. You should have a general understanding of these types to avoid any USB attacks in advance.
- Reprogrammable microcontroller USB attacks: Hackers will preload malicious keystrokes in microcontrollers. Connecting a USB drive will automatically run those keystrokes to steal your data.
- Reprogrammed USB firmware attacks: The adjusted USB drive looks like a normal one but it will download virus-infected files or run malicious software on your device automatically. Some USB drives are adjusted to be able to bypass the device’s password, collecting secret data.
- Unprogrammed USB attacks: This type of USB attack doesn’t reprogram the USB, but the USB drive contains a hidden partition or will create a stealth partition once connected. This hidden partition is used to extract your data while you can’t delete or format the partition.
- Electrical attacks: It is also named as USB killer. Once the infected USB drive is connected to your computer, it will lead to a short circuit, causing damage to your computer.
- USB drop attacks: Cybercriminals will leave the infected USB drive in a public space, waiting for someone to get it. If the USB drive is inserted, it will start to install malicious software on your device or give remote access to those hackers.
How to Protect Against USB Attacks
It seems like USB attacks happen in various scenarios. Is there any way to prevent a USB attack? Absolutely! There are some tips you should pay attention to.
- Use trustworthy USB only: The best method to avoid USB drop attacks is only using the USB drives you trust. Do not plug in any suspected USB drive to your computer.
- Run authentic antivirus software: Running authentic antivirus software on your computer helps to detect most viruses and malware. You also need to periodically perform an antivirus scan on your USB drive.
- Encrypt important & personal data: Encrypted files require a password before accessing them. If someone tries to steal your data on your computer or devices, he can’t read and use it.
- Separate personal and work USB drives: It is necessary to separate public and private USB drives. As you may connect the public or work-related USB drive to many public devices, you shouldn’t save individual information on it to safeguard your data.
How to Make a USB More Secure
Protecting USB data is an eccentric aim when you try to avoid any USB attack. It should be common sense to back up important data to different devices. This helps tackle data loss or other unexpected issues.
For data backup, you can choose professional data backup software, MiniTool ShadowMaker. You can run this software to perform three different types of backup: Full Backup, Differential Backup, and Incremental Backup. Additionally, you can set a backup period based on your requirements. Get the Trial edition to experience backup features for free within 30 days.
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What if your USB drive is already infected by viruses? You should first recover the demanded files from the USB drive with MiniTool Power Data Recovery. This file recovery software enables you to recover files from virus-infected devices, unrecognized drives, unbootable computers, etc. Connect the USB drive to an unused computer and launch the software to scan and restore files. You can download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free by clicking the download button below. Running the free edition to find files and recover up to 1GB of files for free.
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Final Words
When you encounter a USB attack, keep calm and take action to rescue your data first. You should read this post to learn the types of USB attacks and get suggestions to keep your devices away from any USB attack.
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