Can ransomware infect a USB drive?
Absolutely, ransomware can indeed infect a USB drive.
When a computer is infected with ransomware, it begins encrypting files it can access, which includes the files on connected USB drives. If an infected USB drive is then connected to another computer, it can spread the infection to that system as well, under certain conditions.
Furthermore, ransomware can also infect USB drives through what is known as "USB drops." In this type of attack, cybercriminals leave infected USB drives in places where potential victims can find them. When an unsuspecting person plugs the drive into their computer to see what's on it, the ransomware is installed on their system.
To protect USB drives from ransomware:
- Always keep your system and security software up-to-date.
- Never connect unknown or untrusted USB drives to your computer.
- Regularly backup important files and store them offline.
- Be careful about which devices you allow to connect to your system.
- Consider using a good-quality antivirus software that checks for threats on external drives automatically.
In essence, while USB drives can certainly be targets and vectors for ransomware, following best practices can help ensure that your devices—and the important files they contain—remain safe.
