Title: Understanding USB Safety: Can It Get Infected by a Virus from My PC?
As technology continues to evolve, so do our concerns about cybersecurity and hardware performance. Recently, I encountered some troubling issues with my computer that raised questions about potential risks associated with using USB drives for data transfer.
For context, my PC has maintained fairly stable temperatures since I purchased it. Typically, it operates between 30-40 degrees Celsius when unplugged and 40-45 degrees Celsius when idle while plugged in. Under heavy loads, like gaming, the temperature could peak around 60 degrees, but that was never a concern for me.
Not long ago, I decided to re-download TLauncher, which had been deleted previously. Incidentally, the download included an antivirus program called 360 Total Security. After realizing it wasn’t what I wanted, I uninstalled it. In hindsight, I wonder if this was a mistake, as my computer’s temperature has since soared. Just today, I noticed it climbing to 80 degrees Celsius—an alarming spike considering I was merely streaming a YouTube video. Meanwhile, the fans have become noisy, indicating that my system is working harder than usual.
Despite running several diagnostic scans that reported no issues, the combinations of high temperatures and loud fans suggest that something might be amiss. The only significant change to my PC environment was the introduction of that antivirus Software, which I believe may have triggered these problems.
Given the circumstances, I am contemplating a factory reset. I’m well aware of the process and am prepared for it, as I only have a few games and documents to back up. It won’t be a huge inconvenience for me.
This brings me to my main concern: If I use a USB drive to transfer videos and documents from my laptop to my freshly reset PC, could that USB become infected if my computer indeed has a hidden virus? My plan is to temporarily store these files on the USB during the reset and then transfer them back to my laptop afterward.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice from the community regarding this situation. Is this a valid concern, or am I overthinking the potential risks? Thank you for your help!
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