USB Security on Windows...

The USB flash drives or memory sticks are an excellent way to store and carry data and applications for access on any system you come across. With storage spaces already reaching thousands of gigabytes, nowadays USB drives are often larger than past's hard drives.Thanks to increased storage capacity and low prices, you can easily store all your personal data on a tiny, easy-to-carry, USB memory stick.

The USB drive is a device that is used by almost everyone today. However, there's a downside…I think you'll agree with me when I say USB are easily lost or stolen. However, in today's post I am going to show you how to use your USB drives without fear of being misplaced.If you are not aware, the leading cause of data breaches for the past few years has been the loss or theft of laptops and USB storage devices. However, USB flash memory sticks are generally treated with far less care than laptops, and criminals seeking for corporate devices could cost your company a million dollars loss by stealing just a $12 USB drive.By throwing light on the threats of USB drives, I'm not saying that you should never use a USB memory drives. By throwing light on the threats of USB drives, I'm not saying that you should never use a USB memory drives. Rather…I'll introduce you a way to use your tiny data storage devices securely. Losing USB flash drives wouldn't be so concerning if the criminals were not granted immediate access to sensitive data stored in it. Instead of relying merely on passwords, it's essential for businesses to safeguard their data by encrypting the device. So without wasting much of your time, let's get to know how to create an encrypted USB drive in Window. I've included steps for computers that use Windows7,Window 7 Ultimate, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Pro. using the built-in encryption tool known as Bitlocker.

How to encrypt a USB drive in Windows (7-10) using BitLocker:

• Connect blank USB drive; if it's not blank, then move data from it

• Open your File Explorer and find your USB drive on the left (usually named after manufacturer).

• Right click on your drive and choose "Turn on BitLocker"

• BitLocker will launch and ask you to "Choose how you want to unlock this drive," check "Use a password to unlock the drive"

• Enter a strong password twice

• Next, you will be asked "How do you want to back up your recovery key?" Either save to a file on the computer you're using or print it (you can do both)

• Next, choose "Encrypt used disk space only" (if you haven't removed files like in step 1, choose "Encrypt entire drive")

• Now choose "Compatible mode" so you have the maximum compatibility with other devices and computers

• Select "Start encrypting"Do not remove your drive during this process. It may take some time to encrypt. You will get a message stating encryption is finished

When you connect your flash drive again, you will be prompted to enter the password you chose. You will not be able to use this drive on a computer that does not have BitLocker installed.

How to change your encryption password

If you wish to change the password used to securely encrypt your USB flash drive, simply right-click on the drive inside File Explorer and select Change Bitlocker Password. You will be prompted for your old password, as well as a new password to use.

How to disable encryption

If you no longer wish to utilize encryption on your USB flash drive, you can permanently disable it. This action will remove the encryption and allow you to use the drive on computers that do not support Bitlocker, and will permanently stop securing the data on your USB Flash Drive.

• To disable encryption, right-click on the drive in File Explorer and select Manage Bitlocker.

• click on Turn off BitLocker for the drive you wish to remove decryption.

• Once you confirm your action, Windows will remove encryption from the USB flash drive; this action will take some time.

• Once complete, you can remove your USB flash drive and use it normally without restriction.

I am not much of a computer genius but someone had asked me this question cause they purchased a Samsung USB from me and had asked me this. After some minor research and asking around this is my best way to answer. Not a hard question to answer with the right search engine and computer tech.