HeyIT Tips & Tricks #8: Be Careful What You Plug In
- Breagha Sinclair
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Welcome back to another edition of HeyIT’s Tips & Tricks!
This month’s tip is all about keeping your devices safe and avoiding sneaky cyber threats hiding in plain sight:
🔌Be Careful What You Plug In -Unknown USBs Can Carry Malware
🛑 Why It Matters
USB drives may look harmless, but they’re one of the easiest ways for malware to spread.
A single unknown or infected USB can:
Install malicious software automatically
Steal files or passwords
Give attackers remote access to your device
Spread infections to your entire network
Even “found” USBs in parking lots, conference rooms, or desks may be intentionally planted to trick users into plugging them in.
✅ Solution: Only Use Devices From Trusted Sources
To protect yourself and your business:
Never plug in USBs you find or don’t fully trust
Only use company approved drives
Avoid borrowed or unlabelled devices
When in doubt, don’t plug it in
This simple habit stops malware before it even has a chance to try.
🛠 Step-by-Step: Safe USB Practices
On Windows & Mac:
⏰ Tip: Use Cloud Sharing Instead
Need to transfer files? Use OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams instead of physical drives whenever possible. It’s safer, faster, and avoids the risk of plugging in something harmful.
💡 Remember
A USB is small, but the risk isn’t.One unsafe device is all it takes to compromise your system, infect your network, or expose sensitive business data.
Stay smart, stay cautious, and when it comes to unknown USBs. Better safe than sorry.
Want to Stay One Step Ahead of Malware?
🔌 Use trusted devices. Protect your data.
Book Your FREE 15-Minute Security Check-In
We’ll help you set up safe device policies, file-sharing alternatives, and simple habits that keep your organisation cyber-secure.
HeyIT | Helping People Stay Cyber-Smart
Stay safe out there!
Breagha @ HeyIT
