Potential Virus Threat Detected on USB Drive: Important Precautions to Take

Recently, I encountered a troubling issue with my USB drive that I believe warrants attention. Upon plugging my USB into my PC, I noticed it took longer than usual to access the files. While I was preoccupied with other tasks, Windows Defender promptly flagged a serious threat linked to my external drive, designated as drive E.

This wasn’t the first time I had faced complications with my USB. Previously, I had used it on a school computer to transfer work, only to find that all my files were converted and now appeared hidden in an unfamiliar “.lmk” format. At that moment, it seemed as though my files had vanished completely. Fortunately, I discovered that running a simple command in Command Prompt using “Attrib” helped me recover my files.

However, this current situation feels different. I had received my USB back from friends at school, who were using it to print documents. I trust them, but it does raise concerns about the possible introduction of malware, especially given the diverse range of PCs at the school I frequent. It’s unsettling to think that a seemingly innocent interaction could lead to the infection of my device, particularly if someone had unknowingly connected a compromised USB at school.

As an immediate precautionary measure, I disconnected my USB Wi-Fi dongle to prevent any potential internet connection, hoping to halt any spread or further contamination. I’m sharing this experience to seek insights on whether this is an urgent matter and to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with public or shared computers.

If anyone has experienced a similar issue or has advice on how to handle USB security concerns effectively, please share your thoughts! Your insights could be invaluable for those of us navigating the complexities of digital security.