External drives and memory devices.
WHAT THEY SUIT
Backups Archives Transferring large files where a connection is slow
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Devices of unknown origin Devices found or received unexpectedly Using the same device across secured and unsecured machines
THAT SECOND POINT
Leaving devices for people to find is a genuine technique. Do not connect one.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE REMOVING ONE
Eject it properly.
WHY
Removing it while writing corrupts data.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT RELIABILITY
Memory devices fail without warning, and cheap ones fail sooner.
WHAT THAT MEANS
Never keep the only copy of anything on one.
WHAT TO ENCRYPT
Any device carrying sensitive information.
WHY
A lost device is otherwise a disclosure.
WHAT TO LABEL
Devices, so their purpose is known.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE DISPOSING OF ONE
Wipe it properly. Deleting files does not remove them.
WHAT TO CHECK PERIODICALLY
That backup drives still work.
