Those data thingies, that you put on your key chain, what are they called?

There are many names, USB Memory stick, thumb drive, or any of a number of Branded names. USB memory sticks are great, they have made sharing data & transporting data simple and fast. However there are some practical security measures and got-cha's to look out for.

1. Having a data USB memory stick is not considered a backup unless it is at least the second copy of the data

2. While keeping the USB memory stick on your keys is a good way not to loose it, it would take minutes for a valet to copy the contents of the drive while parking the car.

3. Encrypting the data is a good way to keep your data safe.

4. Plugging your thumb drive into machines can get your data deleted, corrupted, stolen, or a virus, remember the floppy days.

For memory sticks use encryption for sensitive data, don't leave your memory stick(s) where it can be easily stolen. Watch what machines you put you memory stick into, get a memory stick with a read only switch. Get a memory stick with built in encryption such as the Iron Key. If you already have a memory stick get program such as TrueCrypt or PGP.

-- Tim Krabec