Software to protect USB flash from viruses

In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of USB flash drives becoming infected when used in public places such as internet cafes or school labs. The speaker is looking for a software that can be installed on the flash drive to protect it from viruses. Suggestions are made to use write protection or portable antivirus software, and to disable AutoRun/AutoPlay. Two specific options, Thumbscrew and USB Write Protector, are mentioned as potential solutions.
  • #1
PainterGuy
940
69
hello everyone, :smile:

when i use my usb flash drive in some internet cafe or school lab it become infected. especially lab's computers are full of viruses. is there some software which i can have on my flash so that it protects flash from viruses. do you understand what i try to say? i want a software which will be on usb flash and protect it from any virus entering from the computer to the flash? let me know if such software exists please. it will do me much good.:approve:

cheers
 
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  • #2
If you just want to grab files off of the drive, you can write protect it.

Or, you can try a portable antivirus software, such as the ones found here: http://portableapps.com/apps/security

To protect files, you can encrypt them with TrueCrypt.

I'm assuming you run Windows. If it's not already, you might want to disable AutoRun/AutoPlay to make it harder for malware to launch off of your flash drive in the case it is infected.
 
  • #3
Thumbscrew is a freeware application that let's you write protect your USB drive so that virus, Malware, Trojan or any kind of infection from host computer would not be able to write anything on your USB.
USB Write Protector is another free utility that allows you make write protect your USB flash / pen drives just like Thumbscrew mentioned above. This is a very small utility that you can always carry with you in your portable drive.
 

1. How does software protect a USB flash from viruses?

Software for protecting USB flash drives from viruses typically works by scanning the drive for any malicious code or files. It then either removes or quarantines any threats found, preventing them from infecting the drive or any connected devices.

2. Can this software prevent viruses from being transferred to the USB drive?

Yes, most software designed to protect USB flash drives from viruses can detect and prevent the transfer of infected files onto the drive. This helps to ensure that the drive remains free of any harmful viruses or malware.

3. Will this software slow down the performance of my USB flash drive?

No, software that is specifically designed for protecting USB flash drives from viruses should not significantly impact the performance of the drive. However, running regular virus scans and updates may cause a slight decrease in performance.

4. Do I need to have this software installed on my computer to protect my USB flash drive?

No, you do not necessarily need to have the software installed on your computer to protect your USB flash drive. Some software can be installed directly onto the drive itself, allowing it to be protected on any computer it is connected to.

5. Are there any additional steps I should take to protect my USB flash drive from viruses?

In addition to using software to protect your USB flash drive from viruses, there are a few other steps you can take. This includes being cautious when plugging your drive into unknown or potentially infected devices, regularly updating your antivirus software, and avoiding downloading or opening suspicious files on your USB drive.

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