Unused USB flash drives should be thoroughly erased or physically destroyed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive personal files, technology publication SlashGear reported.
Journalists at the media outlet noted that almost every computer user likely has several unwanted flash drives lying around in drawers or storage boxes. Leaving unused storage devices around without proper wiping creates security risks if those drives fall into the hands of third parties.
Specialists explained that standard file deletion does not actually erase data from a flash drive. When a user deletes a file, the operating system simply makes the data inaccessible in the file directory, leaving the raw information stored on the disk where an attacker can easily recover it using software tools.
USB flash drives use non-volatile flash memory chips to store files without requiring constant electrical power. Because flash drives are small, portable, and frequently shared between different devices, unencrypted files left on discarded memory sticks present a common risk for identity theft and data leaks.
Proper data wiping methods
To wipe data on Microsoft Windows, the publication advised users to insert the flash drive into a USB port, right-click the drive icon in file explorer, and select the format option. Users must uncheck the Quick Format setting before confirming the operation, ensuring that the system conducts a full format that overwrites stored sectors rather than just clearing the file table index.
On Apple macOS computers, users need to launch the built-in Disk Utility application, which manages internal and external storage devices. Users must select the required flash drive from the sidebar list and click the Erase option to reformat the drive.
Physical destruction and hardware maintenance
SlashGear identified physical destruction as the simplest method to permanently eliminate data on a flash drive. The authors suggested using a drill to bore directly through the memory chip hidden underneath the plastic or metal casing of the device, rendering the internal microcircuit unreadable.
Journalists concluded their guide by reminding users that after physically destroying a flash drive, they must safely dispose of the device. Electronic waste contains recyclable metals and materials that should be handed to specialized recycling programs rather than standard household trash.
In a separate report on computer troubleshooting published in late August, technology outlet XDA stated that resetting the motherboard CMOS settings can resolve numerous personal computer problems. The CMOS chip stores system startup settings and hardware configurations, and resetting it clears corrupted parameters that cause system instability or boot failures.
