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USB flash drive security
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<p>Secure USB flash drives protect the data stored on them from access by unauthorized users. <a href="/facts/USB_flash_drive/Jv0qmTCF">USB flash drive</a> products have been on the market since 2000, and their use is increasing exponentially. As businesses have increased demand for these drives, manufacturers are producing faster devices with greater <a href="/facts/Computer_data_storage/wPHKFpdx">data storage</a> capacities. </p><p>An increasing number of portable devices are used in business and decreased numbers for consumers, such as <a href="/facts/Laptop/3EFwTAb2">laptops</a>, <a href="/facts/Notebook/o3xQHHn3">notebooks</a>, <a href="/facts/Personal_digital_assistant/fLTT1Uqy">personal digital assistants</a> (PDA), <a href="/facts/Smartphone/cSIrBMWG">smartphones</a>, <a href="/facts/USB_flash_drive/Jv0qmTCF">USB flash drives</a> and other mobile devices. </p><p>Companies in particular are at risk when sensitive data are stored on unsecured <a href="/facts/USB_flash_drive/Jv0qmTCF">USB flash drives</a> by employees who use the devices to transport data outside the office. The consequences of losing drives loaded with such information can be significant, including the loss of customer data, financial information, business plans and other confidential information, with the associated risk of reputation damage. </p>