Can a virus be in a memory stick?

Thread starter yungman
Start date Dec 23, 2017
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Memory Virus

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SUMMARY

Viruses can indeed infect memory sticks, particularly if infected files are copied onto them. Files such as PDFs, JPGs, and DOCs can harbor viruses, especially if they exploit vulnerabilities in their respective applications. Users should scan memory sticks with reliable antivirus software, such as Norton 360, before connecting them to clean computers to avoid spreading infections. Disabling the 'Autoplay' feature on Windows is crucial to prevent automatic execution of potentially harmful files when the memory stick is plugged in.

PREREQUISITES

Understanding of USB drive functionality and risks
Familiarity with antivirus software, specifically Norton 360
Knowledge of file types that can carry viruses (e.g., PDF, JPG, DOC)
Basic understanding of Windows security settings, including 'Autoplay'

NEXT STEPS

Learn how to disable 'Autoplay' on Windows systems
Research effective methods for disinfecting USB drives
Explore alternative antivirus solutions for scanning memory sticks
Study common vulnerabilities in file formats like PDF and JPG

USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for computer users, IT professionals, and anyone concerned about data security and virus prevention on external storage devices.

Nov 30, 2019

Dr Transport

Science Advisor

Insights Author

Let me add one more comment. I work in a place where we have constant virus scanners running on all systems, even those that are not connected to the internet. As far we are concerned, if you touch the internet just once, you are compromised. The only way you can be completely sure you don't have anything on your computer is to NEVER touch the internet, install software from media from the original provider and never load a file from an external source. Right now, that would eliminate pretty much any and all external software, Windows, Office365 etc since it is only loaded from online. Even Matlab would be difficult since you don't get any media any longer.

Kind of limits your productivity doesn't it.