When the USB drive is plugged into another computer, the malware infects that computer.
The malware then downloads malicious code onto the drive. However, these same characteristics make them appealing to attackers.Īttackers can use USB drives to infect other computers with malware that can detect when the USB drive is plugged into a computer. USB drives, sometimes known as thumb drives, are small, readily available, inexpensive, and portable, so they are popular for storing and transporting files from one computer to another.
What security risks are associated with USB drives?