Perceptions About Data Security For Portable Storage Devices

Abstract

The importance of securing data and information is a critical issue in todays world. These are no longer stored on a central system that is easy to protect and secure. Now everyone carries around small storage devices, which make guaranteeing that the information is guarded is much more complex and uncertain. This paper builds on the previous research of Knott & Steubes in the paper Encryption and Portable Data Storage, to be published in the Spring of 2011. In the previous work we identified the potential security issues that arise from using a portable storage device such as a USB flash drive. TrueCrypt software was introduced as an option that allows users to encrypt and hide data. The TrueCrypt software, which is publically available, is particularly useful for safeguarding data on USB flash drives that are easily compromised. A survey of undergraduate students was administered which focused on their practices and attitudes about security. It was found that there were strong associations between the use of flash drives, security, and the use of passwords.