After a long night of putting the final touches on your class assignment, you stop into one of the Open-Access Computer Labs, plug in your USB drive, and print out your final research paper. Then rush off to class. But wait, did you leave something behind? Like that USB in the back of the lab computer?
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. In fact, over 700 lost and found USB drives were processed through the Open-Access Computer Labs in the past year alone! And for security reasons, once a USB drive is found, it cannot be returned to the owner until it has been processed.
But you can avoid the perils and pitfalls of using USB drives. The Help Desk recommends you take these precautions for using USB drives on campus:
- Use OneDrive or other cloud-based storage to access your class files from any Open-Access Computer Lab.
- Do not use a USB drive to store your only copy of your thesis, research paper, or other important classwork.
- Label the outside of your USB drive with your name and contact information. If the drive is clearly labeled, it will aid in returning it quickly if it becomes lost.
And if you find a USB drive on campus, Information Security Office recommends you follow these precautions:
- Do not plug it into a computer! Some drives may contain malicious malware that is automatically activated once plugged into a computer.
- Bring the USB to Lost & Found located at the PSU Information Desk or to the Help Desk. The drive will be safely and securely processed. If the owner can be identified, they will be contacted by email with pickup instructions.
Questions about lost drives should be directed to the Operations and Systems unit of Computer Services at (417)-836-4391.
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