Security tips for backup devices

Backup devices include anything you use to backup information from your computer. The most common of these devices are: external hard drives, USB flash drives (a.k.a. thumb drives, memory sticks), and compact discs (CDR, CDRW).

The largest security problem is their size. In particular, flash drives and compact discs are small enough to easily misplace (you put them in your bag; they fall out of your bag unnoticed). This also makes them a sought after target for thieves.

As for external hard drives, roughly the same rules apply as in regular computer hard drives (which are covered here). When compared to regular computer hard drives, along with the greater convenience comes more risk due to their mobility. And if you think about it, a laptop is like an external hard drive.

Solutions

First line of protection:

Be responsible. Keep a tether for you flash drive. Delete sensitive files (personal info, mind the contents) or rewrite over them. Put CDRs in a secure place or destroy them when you're done. For external hard drives: store them in a secure place and if you're in a public place, don't let them out of your eyesight.

Second line of protection:

Encryption and Passwords. If you can, purchase devices that include built-in security features. Several USB flash drive manufacturers offer these types of drives, and the additional cost is minimal when you compare it to the extra layer of security provided by these features.
The best secure USB flash drives contain Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) symmetric encryption.

Some newer flash drives support biometric fingerprinting (if you're very serious about security).

Third line of protection:

Getting a chain and lock the device around your neck.

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