Tag: usb
Report Reveals Decline In Quality of USB Sticks, MicroSD Cards
Technological advancements have also affected these NAND chips, but not in a good way. The chips originally used single-level cell (SLC) memory cells that only stored one bit each, offering less data density but better performance and reliability. In order to increase the amount of storage the chips offered, manufacturers started moving to four bits per cell (QLC), decreasing the endurance and retention. Combined with the questionable components, it’s why CBL warns that “You shouldn’t rely too much on the reliability of flash memory.”
The report illustrates how some of the components found in the devices had their manufactures’ names removed or obscured. One simply printed text over the top of the company name, while another had been scrubbed off completely. There’s also a photo of a microSD card found inside a USB stick that had all of its identifying markings removed. It’s always wise to be careful when choosing your storage device and beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
9 Best USB Hubs and Docks (2023): USB-C, USB-A, Portable
Double up with two 64GB USB sticks for £6
It’s not often that we write about deals that knock £2 off the usual price, but it’s also rare to get the chance to pick up two 64GB USB flash drives for just £6. These drives are well worth picking up for transferring files between PCs, installing BIOS updates and backing up small but important files, which enough space to store some – but not all – music collections, game install directories and wallpaper packs.
This $30 USB hub finally ended my MacBook port struggle
Key highlights from U.S. Bancorp (USB) Q1 2023 earnings results
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) reported first quarter 2023 earnings results today. Total net revenue increased 28% year-over-year to $7.17 billion. Net income applicable to U.S. Bancorp common shareholders increased 9% […]
The post Key highlights from U.S. Bancorp (USB) Q1 2023 earnings results first appeared on AlphaStreet.
Protect your data with a USB condom
FBI Warns Against Using Public USB Ports Due to Malware Risk
Bad actors have learned to use public USB ports to “introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices,” the FBI said. When out in public, users should bring their own charger and USB cord, using an electrical outlet for charging purposes instead of a public USB port.
Apple’s iPhones and Macs have a USB security feature that prevents the Lightning port from being used for data transfer purposes when it has been more than an hour since the device was unlocked, but this does not prevent malware installation if you are actively using your device and connect to a public port.
Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023
If a public USB port is used to transfer malware to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, hackers can gain access to sensitive data on the device, siphoning usernames and passwords, hijacking email, stealing money from online accounts, and more.
The only way to stay safe is to use your own USB cable to charge in public spaces, which effectively prevents this potential method of attack.
The FBI has a similar warning on its website, noting that people should not use free charging stations. The FBI also warns against using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, opening suspicious documents, using the same password for all accounts, and clicking unsolicited links in text messages and emails.
This article, “FBI Warns Against Using Public USB Ports Due to Malware Risk” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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7 Best USB Microphones (2023): USB-C, USB-A, Wireless, and Mic Accessories
Someone Has Been Mailing USB Drives to Journalists That Are Programmed to Explode
Everybody knows that you’re not supposed to plug a random USB stick into your computer. Worst case scenario, you’re typically looking at a desktop full of malware. However, it now appears that someone has come up with a much worse thing to load USBs with than malicious software: bombs.