Feb 05 2009
Mobile Gadgets: Flash drives left in pockets are often found by nosey people
Flash drives are tiny and can hold huge amounts of data. Some of that data is sensitive and can divulge trade secrets as well as personal information. Telecommuters, business owners and office workers find it easy and convenient to transfer files between office computers and home computers. Finishing reports and projects at home allows for more time with the family and saves commuting time.
I have a 64GB flash drive that could hold every data file and digital photo currently on my laptop. This capability is great on one hand but on the other it is a bit alarming. I had not thought too much about it before but after recently reading an article pointing out how careless some people can be I am thinking about it.
Like I said, many people carry business sensitive and personal data on flash drives. Those people often carry those flash drives in their pockets. What happens when those clothes are taken to the dry cleaner? What if those pants are accidentally donated or sold in a garage sale? I for one have found 20 dollars in the pocket of a coat left in the closet over the summer season. It is not beyond reason that flash drives left in pockets can be forgotten for long periods of time.
Lanyards are a good way to alleviate this problem. The 2GB flash drive that I use between work and home has a lanyard attached. It is nothing fancy – just functional. It easily slips around my neck and it is never forgotten. It is easy to find inside my stuffed bag and that is really saying something.
I want to encourage you to be careful with data saved on a flash drive.
