Scribd
Upload
15 views2 pages

DSA102 L3 RemovableMedia

Removable media refers to portable storage devices like USB drives, SD cards, and optical discs that allow users to transfer data to and from computers. While convenient, removable media poses security risks if not properly managed. Data can be lost or stolen if devices containing sensitive files are misplaced. Removable media is also a common way for malware and viruses to spread since programs can easily replicate to unprotected devices. Businesses need to educate users on securely using removable media and provide alternative backup storage to mitigate risks from data loss from device failure or theft.

Uploaded by

Leen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
15 views2 pages

DSA102 L3 RemovableMedia

Removable media refers to portable storage devices like USB drives, SD cards, and optical discs that allow users to transfer data to and from computers. While convenient, removable media poses security risks if not properly managed. Data can be lost or stolen if devices containing sensitive files are misplaced. Removable media is also a common way for malware and viruses to spread since programs can easily replicate to unprotected devices. Businesses need to educate users on securely using removable media and provide alternative backup storage to mitigate risks from data loss from device failure or theft.

Uploaded by

Leen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

REMOVABLE MEDIA

Removable media can be thought of as a portable storage medium that allows users to copy data
to it and then take it off site, and vice versa. It presents itself as a convenient, cost-effective
storage solution that is available in many different size capacities and form factors, with differing
transfer speed capabilities. Removable media can take many forms.

• USB Drives (Pen Drives, Portable Hard Drives)


• Smartphones, music players and similarly equipped handheld devices
• SD Cards
• Optical Media (CDs, DVDs, BluRay)
• Legacy Media: (T)
As you can see, removable media encompasses a large group of storage technologies,
which is why some people have difficulty understanding what is meant by the term. Adding
to some of this confusion is the function that removable media serves. There are a few
different applications for removable media, including:
• Backup storage for files on PCs, laptops and servers
• Additional storage space for PCs and laptops
• Bootable Live Operating System
• Bootable installation media such as Windows and Linux
There are many reasons why removable media might be required in your business
environment, and there are valid reasons why you might allow such devices on your
network. However, as with most technologies, there are risks involved. The following
information will seek to detail the potential risks, as well as some techniques that will help
you to minimize your company’s risk of exposure to the dangers that are associated with
removable media. This information needs to be passed onto your users via the following
methods, with which we go into more detail towards the end of the article. They are:
• Initial user training and IT policy explanations
• Periodic refreshers
• A concerted ongoing awareness campaign from the IT department
• Newsletters and company-wide email reminders

What Are the Risks Involved with Using Removable Media?


There are many advantages to using removable media, chief among which is the quick and
convenient means by which users can copy, transfer and backup data. This same ease of use
and convenience is part of the problem with removable media, however, as malware and viruses
are able to easily replicate and distribute themselves to unprotected removable storage devices
that are not write-protected. Here are some other risks that removable media can expose your
company to, if not managed properly:

• Data Security
• Malware Infections
• Copyright Infringement
• Hardware Failures
Data Security
Any time that an employee copies sensitive data to removable media such as a thumb
drive or CD, there is a risk of that data being accessed by unauthorized personnel. One
such case occurred in 2012 when a detective in Manchester, England had his house
burgled. His USB stick containing the details of over 1000 individuals relating to
investigations was stolen during this incident. Greater Manchester Police was then fined
over £120,000 ($155,000 at today’s exchange rate) following an investigation of the
incident. So we can see that there are real financial implications for such occurrences
because of the seriousness of data security breaches.

It is important to remember that once a device is no longer in your possession, you


have no control over the data or who has access to it. Confidential information can then be
transmitted to other parties, or posted online for all to see. There are some devices and
software applications that encrypt data on your device or media, giving you an added layer
of protection in the event of your device getting lost or stolen.

Malware Infections
Malicious software, or malware, is a major problem for modern businesses. It is able
to spread via removable media, and it is risky to use such media if the source cannot be
identified. One such example is a recent study that has shown that as many as half of the
USB sticks that are picked up in parking lots of business properties are then plugged into
the user’s computer once they get inside their offices. This means that any malicious
software that is on the USB drive can then infect the company network. Rewriteable CDs,
DVDs, and BluRays are all capable of delivering a malicious payload if autorun is enabled
on a desktop PC, laptop or server, so having an up-to-date antivirus application is essential
for businesses to ensure the continued safety of their network.

Media Failure
Removable Media is inherently risky as a primary storage solution, and for many
reasons. Due to the low cost and high production quantities of the different media types and
devices, some may have shorter life spans than others. It is therefore important for users to
understand the importance of storing sensitive, important, and confidential information
safely and securely on the organization’s file server or NAS device. This is so that in the
event of media failure, loss, theft, or damage, then the data that is lost on the media is at
least backed up to another source.

You might also like