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USB Keys

If you download data onto a USB key and then put it into another computer to access the information installed on it, does it leave any data on that second machine please? For instance, if I have my banking details on the key, can that information be accessed by a subsequent user of that computer after I have removed the key?

Dudley Fri 21/11/08 15:27

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fadeout73
Fri 21/11/08
15:50

Wouldn't have thought so as it is saved to the Key and it is the Key the other computer would be reading off.

terambulan
Fri 21/11/08
15:53

No......it would have to be filed on the pc under a file name to be held on the pc.

ACtheTROLL
Fri 21/11/08
18:31

I think you'll find the answer is yes .... but only if you open the file(s) (unless the machine is specially set up to steal info)

if (for instance) you open a word document - the PC holds the document details in memory
word creates a recovery file on disc - but also uses memory as temporary storage
if you work on the file - it will be written again to the HDD

memory
1 will then only be cleared if the space is needed so it's in there (until the machine is rebooted)

2 if memory is in short supply - it will use the pagefile as "virtual" memory instead of "real" memory.... so the info ends up on the disk (again) - and could linger for ages

It's a fact that internet cafe users should bear in mind
(and some do - generally the ones after the info)

if the machine is set up for drive write cacheing - the cache information will also end up on disc - and again if you copy and paste info.

so the answer is yes - possibly many times - BUT - it's not that easy to access - you'd have to know how - and the circumstances would have to be right - but it's very much possible.

Dudley
Fri 21/11/08
18:47

Question Author

Thanks AC although you have told me what I didn't want to hear, I had a feeling it might be the case and that's why I asked the question. If you are correct, It would therefore be foolish to access a bank account on anything other than your own PC. I think I will err on the side of caution. Pity that, it makes USB keys rather suspect security wise..

ACtheTROLL
Fri 21/11/08
20:28

I didn't mention the biggest risk - loosing the key ...

you might want to look at
http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php
it won't stop it ... but it's another hinderance

I have just one machine used for home banking - no e-mail or general purpose surfing....

somtimes it's unavoidable - the best you can be is careful.

I'd do it from a customer's landline machine - I'm wary of using WiFi

but I'd never do it from an internet cafe .... and never ever from a public wifi hotspot.

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