Win Defender alerts me of a serious virus upon connecting a USB drive

Title: Recognizing USB Threats: A Cautionary Tale

When I recently attempted to access my USB drive on my computer, I encountered a disturbing warning from Windows Defender indicating a severe threat associated with the drive. The moment I connected the USB, it took longer than usual to load, prompting me to multitask on my PC. Suddenly, Windows Defender alerted me to a potential malware issue linked to drive E, which was my USB.

Not long ago, I had a similar experience on a different school computer while transferring files. After connecting my USB there, all my documents mysteriously transformed and became hidden under a bizarre “.lmk” format. It appeared as if my files had vanished, when in reality, they were still intact, albeit not visible. Fortunately, a simple command prompt fix using “Attrib” allowed me to recover my files.

However, this time feels different. After using my USB at school again, I received it back from friends who were sharing it to print documents. While I typically trust them, I can’t help but consider the possibility of malware being inadvertently transferred onto my drive. It’s also worth mentioning the potential for hidden dangers on the school’s public computers, which might not have the best security measures in place.

In light of this latest incident, I wanted to share my experience immediately to seek advice from others on whether I should be concerned or take further action. To err on the safe side, I promptly disconnected my USB Wi-Fi dongle to prevent any internet access while I evaluate the situation.

If anyone has faced a similar issue or has insights on protection against USB-related threats, your input would be incredibly valuable. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed when it comes to safeguarding our data, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats.