Bad USB is now out. It is a spyware that attacks your USB devices. If you insert an altered USB in your device it can, or its actually a USB that execute files, run commands and basically wreak havoc.
According to security software companies, there are different ways to prevent Bad USB and these suggestions were notably analog. Symantec, Security Response team, makes the famous Norton family of security software products, recognized that conventional anti-virus technology can't examine the drivers running in a USB device. They recommend the users to:
- Don't use pre-owned USB devices, they could possibly have malicious software.
- Only insert reliable or trusted USB devices into your computers.
- Never leave your mobile devices or computer unattended or unlocked.
According to security software company McAfee echoed Symantec's advice, The firm's chief computer security evangelist, Gary J. Davis, "The best practical advice McAfee can give consumers regarding the BadUSB attack is to avoid thumb drives that are not from a credible source, such as a big box retailer or they have not previously used. Additionally, we would discourage consumers from using promotional thumb drives that are given away at events. So the threat may remain hidden "
Davis added a lit bit of last advice points to what may be one of the vectors' chief distribution for Bad USB, "Trade show exhibitors long ago gave up handing out pamphlets and folders to show goers and now favor bowls full of USB sticks pre-loaded with information about their products and services. Many of us simply grab every one of them in sight, knowing that we can wipe the data and reuse them for personal storage. However, what if there's a bowl full of BadUSB drives? Erasing the data will not remove the threat."
