Researchers from UK based University have developed a device to thwart malware based attacks spreading through USB Drives. It is actually an external device that scans for malicious content and alerts a computer admin about the lurking cyber threat.
The university that is under discussion is Liverpool Hope University, where a group of security researchers have developed a device that will soon obtain a patent from the Indian Government.
Basically, some years back, cyber crooks used to use malware induced USB devices to induct malicious software into a computer system in a network. But now, this activity has witnessed a downfall as almost every computing gadget is connected to internet these days.
Engineers from Liverpool Hope University have now developed a hardware tool that will sit between the computer and the USB drive and thoroughly scan the data storage medium for any malevolent content.
“It acts like an external memory device that sits in between the PC and the USB drive and sieves for any threatening content that can put the entire operating system in jeopardy,” said Shishir Kumar, leading the project.
The device also can restrict access to USB drive at the host computer and can block a user from having full or partial access to the stored content.
Mr. Shishir said that the perception of thwarting malware from USB drives was fetched from the natural world and is based on a new concept known as Nature Inspired Cybersecurity (NICS).
According to Honeywell, cyber threats from USB borne devices doubled in IT environments from 2019 to 2020. And as the trend to work from home as picked up, cyber threats from USB devices are expected to reach a new high in coming days.
