No, this isn’t a blog post about how difficult a USB can be to plug in. Unknown USB drives are a safety risk and you shouldn’t use them. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should be suspicious.

5. Viruses Install Themselves

• Most computers you plug a USB drive into aren’t able to stop nasty programs from running.
• Those programs will run without your permission, even with anti-virus software.
• Don’t take the chance with plugging in an unknown USB in the first place.

4. The USB Is Disguised

• Sometimes, to get people to plug in a bad USB, hackers will use USB devices that look “official”, with a school or company logo.
• If you don’t own the USB, there’s a huge risk using it.
• This is true even if the USB was already plugged into another computer.

3. Hackers Steal Your Information

• Even if you do a good job of keeping your passwords safe, plugging in the wrong USB can install what’s known as a “keylogger”.
• Keyloggers save information about what you type.
• Hackers can use that information to learn your usernames, passwords, emails, and even social security number.

2. Hackers Steal Your Friends’ Information

• After reading this far, you know enough to not plug in a random USB.
• Do your friends and family know? Share this post with them, or talk about it.
• You can also help others by bringing unknown USB drives to the PSU Information Desk.

1. It’s Not Just USB Drives

• ANY unknown device could have a virus installed or steal your info, even a computer mouse.
• USB drives are the most common, but beware anything you plug into your computer or phone.
• If you don’t know where it came from, don’t use it.