Removable Media Policy
Removable media is any external form of expandable storage that can be inserted and removed from a computer device. The major role of a storage device is data storage (including text, video, audio, or picture data). Most of these removable media are being used to store and transport data.
Of course, with such extensive use of expandable storage devices, there is an increased risk of data theft and the import of malicious content. Some types of removable media require a reader to be installed in the computer, but others already have all of the hardware required to read them integrated into the device and require only a driver to connect.
If left unattended, attackers might cause potential harm to a lot of sensitive information stored within a removable media storage device. But what is the role of removable media in cybersecurity? And how can we protect its data? Let us find out!
Examples of Removable Media
Examples of a storage device or media that necessitate the use of a reader include:
- Optical discs like CDs and DVDs
- Memory sticks like CompactFlash and Secure Digital
- Zip and floppy discs
- Disk packs
- Magnetic cassettes
- Paper data storage
Some detachable media readers and drives are built into computers, whereas others are portable.
When used to transfer or pool business data, detachable media may also apply to several types of portable storage media. Take a look at some examples of a storage device:
- USB flash drives
- Hard disc drives
- Other external devices
Floppy disks are almost extinct, and USB flash drives are the most popular form of removable media right now. While all these optical discs are quite easy and intuitive to use, there is a security risk associated with them.
Risks Associated with Removable Media
We now know that removable media devices transfer a lot of sensitive content. This means it is capable of transferring a lot of malicious content too.
Removable media can potentially be exploited as a malware vector. Attackers typically utilize social engineering to persuade someone to insert a media device into a computer. They leave an infected drive in a crowded spot (baiting). Here, someone may pick up the device and insert it into their computer to see its contents.
Additionally, you must ensure to switch off the setting in which features automatically run in the computer from removable media. Take care as the following other risks are associated with these external storage devices or removable media like memory cards or external hard drives or thumb drives.
1. Loss of Data
If these removable media devices are left unattended, they are at the risk of being stolen and deleted by malicious agents looking to breach data at any organization. If your media device gets infected with malware, it is at the risk of getting lost forever when you try to retrieve the external storage.
2. Malware in the System
It is often evident that when employees use these removable media devices, they may unknowingly transfer malware from one device to another. It is also often quite common as a malware infection can be easily installed on USB flash drives or hard disk devices among others.
Once the external media reaches one device, it is easy to infect several devices in a single organization.
3. Hardware Failure
We use external storage due to its low cost and ease of use. But removable media is fundamentally dangerous. This is because many electronics have short lifespans and might break unexpectedly.
As a result, if your removable media faces a similar crisis and your business does not have the information backed up, you risk losing important files and data. Therefore, it is necessary to keep both these external storage systems and your data safe for the sake of privacy needs and protecting confidential information.
Removable Media Policy and Best Practices
Use this removable media policy template to save and protect your data from potential attackers and hardware failures. It is always good to train the employees on the best external hardware data protection policies:
1. Always Use Anti-Virus Software
Since a removable media can spread malware in between devices, you must always scan your system for viruses whenever you connect it with an external device. Just simply run a virus scan on your computer and your external device. But always remember to disable system restore prior to running your antivirus scan.
2. Encrypt External Media
When feasible, use compatible encryption techniques and tools to protect data in these media devices. When generating a password, adhere to strong password criteria and avoid reusing passwords from other systems. If passwords must be shared with other users, make sure they are delivered separately from the encrypted file.
3. Steer Clear from Unknown External Devices
As we already mentioned, sophisticated attackers use complicated phishing and baiting tools to attack your system. But sometimes, they just leave infected external devices like removable media at random locations for the employees to find and deploy. Thus, employees must be trained not to pick up and use this removable media from unknown sources.
4. Store Private & Business Data Separately
You must create copies of data and store them independently, allowing the data to be restored later in the event of loss or alteration. Backups are crucial for assuring business continuity when original data is lost or corrupted. Always store business data separately so that if private data is harmed, business data still stays protected.
5. Wipe All Sensitive Data Post Transfer
Always ensure that you delete sensitive data once you have transferred it to your system from the removable media. Thus, the chances of data getting corrupted or misused are post-transfer too.
Final Words
Removable media capabilities make it easy for the user to transfer data from one device to another. These include flash memory devices, removable disks, memory cards, thumb drives, external hard drives, and floppy disks that store data and can transfer to another device as well.
You can establish cybersecurity by keeping the sensitive information protected by creating strong passwords and keeping the data secure by encrypting removable media like external hard drives, memory cards, and floppy disks.
