What Is Removable Media? Removable media can be understood as a portable storage medium that allows users to copy data from a laptop or system so that the data is accessible from anywhere, even outside the organization’s premises. Removable media is a cost-effective and convenient storage solution and is available in many sizes and capacities.

Some of the most popular removable media are:

• SD cards • USB drives (pen drives and hard drives) • Smartphones and other handheld devices • Optical media such as CDs and DVDs

The above commonly used storage media fulfill the following functions:

• Backing up storage for files on PCs and desktops • Adding storage space on devices • Bootable installation media such as Windows and MS office

Risks Involved In Removable Media

While there are several benefits, the primary ones being ease and cost-effectiveness, there are also a number of risks involved. Malware and viruses can easily replicate themselves on unprotected storage devices and can expose an organization at large if not managed properly. The same ease of use can also become a threat and a reason for hackers to take advantage of those vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the risks involved:

• Data security concerns: Removable media are typically small and portable and can be easily stolen or lost. Sensitive information pertaining to the company’s data could easily fall into the wrong hands. Even encrypted files cannot be recovered if the USB drive is lost. Once the drive is not in possession of the authorized persons, there is no control over who accesses it and what they do with the data. Confidential information can travel to third parties, post online, or be leaked to malicious attackers. Once lost, the confidential data can become public in no time. • Malware infections: Employees who use removable media devices can unintentionally transfer malware across devices. This is because flash drives and other removable devices do not detect malicious data which can easily be copied onto them. One infected device can compromise the entire organization’s network. CDs and DVDs are rewriteable, and if the autorun option is enabled on a laptop or desktop, the malware can easily get installed on the devices. • Copyright infringement: The data stored on removable media can easily be copyrighted. For example, if removable media carrying software is used outside the licensed computers, copyright infringement is risky. There is a need to ensure the data saved in the removable media does not have any copyright issues. Copyright infringements can be used as a reason to levy heavy financial penalties on people. • Hardware failures: Removable media have a short lifespan due to low cost and high production quantities. In the event of media failure, data loss and damage can be prevented. Damage to removable media like exposure to water or breakage can render the device useless, and if the data has not been backed up, it can lead to a host of other problems. For this reason, it is important to understand the importance of storing sensitive data on the organization’s cloud server.

How To Overcome Risks Related To Removable Media

An organization needs to impart training to its employees to outline the risks associated with removable media. The IT department should be clear about the accuracy and safety with which removable devices should be used in order to prevent security breaches on the company’s network. All employees should also be aware of the potential risks so that they do not take the usage of removable media for granted and exercise due diligence during use. Few other protocols that can be implemented as security measures against the risks of removable media are as follows: • Restricting the use of removable media: there are many organizations where the computer systems are not configured to read and transfer data onto USB drives or other removable media. Stopping the usage altogether may not be possible, but allowing only specific media to be used can certainly help and minimize the chances of infiltration. • Disabling autorun on optical devices and USB drives: This will prevent software and malware from launching themselves by default as soon as a USB drive is inserted into a computer. • Using a virus scanner PC. This effective solution will isolate any malware from entering the network, allowing the removable media to be disinfected before it can further infiltrate into the LAN. • Education and awareness among users: This point cannot be stressed enough. It is vital to keep the staff members of an organization aware of potential threats that may come from removable media is really important. Moreover, remediation and quick response under such circumstances must be instilled in every staff member who has access to the systems and removable media. There are many avenues to explore regarding training, such as awareness campaigns and informational resources that can be made available to all the company’s departments electronically or through printed study material.

Conclusion

Companies need a more reliable backup solution instead of relying solely on removable media to store data. Even if the usage of removable media is a necessity, they should be used cautiously and securely, and simultaneously alternative ways of backing up the data should also be explored.

ABOUT SNS

Secure Network Solutions (SNS) provides a quantifiable, risk-based approach to building a global structure of cybersecurity infrastructure based on internationally recognized frameworks and practices. We have been providing services and catering to clients across industries for the last 22 years. Write to us at [email protected] or visit us at www.snsin.com.