Physical security for mobile storage devices

See our general recommendations for securing computer equipment. Portable storage devices like small external hard disks, flash drives, or even an iPod that is also used for data storage are very easy to lose, or to steal.

Cable locks for larger external storage devices like hard disks and CD-DVD drives

The easiest, least expensive solution to prevent theft of desktop equipment is a cable lock that loops through the case of your external hard disk. Cable lock kits range from $25 - $35.

Flash drives

Flash drives are an enormous convenience for carrying data, PowerPoint presentations, and other files. Unfortunately, these small drives are very easy to lose or misplace. If the drive contains confidential data, a missing drive can be a serious data breach problem.

Some tips for flash drive security:

• Keep the drive on you at all times, ideally on your keychain or something else you always have with you. Choose a sturdy drive with a built-in cover, and don't buy more storage than you really need for immediate use.
• Make the drive harder to lose. Some flash drives come with neck straps or lanyards. Even if you don't wear the drive around your neck, the strap will make it more noticeable and harder to leave behind.
• Never leave a flash drive attached to a computer. Transfer your files, then immediate pocket the drive. Many drives are lost because their owners transferred a PowerPoint file for a presentation, then forgot the flash drive at the end of the talk.
• Don't store older documents on a flash drive. Bring only what you need in the immediate future, and archive older files to your desktop or laptop computer.

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Related topics

• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Cell phones & smartphones