Malware fears boost sales of USB blocks

Drive locks that prevented machines being infected via floppy disks are making a comeback in a new form – to block USB ports.

Sales of floppy locks dropped when the major malware threat moved online, though there remained a risk that disks could be used to bypass network monitoring to steal data.

Electronics supplier Lindy reports a surge in sales of devices that block unauthorised used of USB ports, which have become a major source of infection according to security company ESET.

The biggest problem is malware called INF/Autorun, which exploits the Windows facility for running programs automatically when a USB drive is plugged in.

USB locks simply place a cover over a port that can be removed with a key.

"Completely disabling a port isn't a viable option for companies, so USB port blocks are a cost-effective means of mitigating the risk from malware, data theft and the installation of unwanted files and programs," said Lindy product manager Andrew Ingram.