How do I virus-proof my USB drive?

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So, I have this pendrive which I need to insert into college PCs to backup practical outputs every now and then. Whenever I do this I get 500 odd viruses inside it.

If there any dependable free AV for USBs or some cool hacking tip to stop this from happening? I can't afford to buy an AV just for the USB, btw.

Thank You,
Sumit.
  • Profile picture of the author Pipinscott
    The simple answer is "you can't".

    Remember, any file you can write to or delete can be operated on the same way by a virus, since the virus will probably be running as "you". On a public computer that "you" is whoever logged into the computer before you inserted your USB drive, but the same thing applies: if "you" can change or delete a file, a virus can also.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Gee, I can tell you how to virus proof your USB drive! It is 100% effective! Gets rid of ALL contagion either way! READY? OK, HERE is what you need:

    1. A piece of wire approximately .5"
    2. A little solder, maybe .5"
    3. A soldering iron.

    OK? Ready? Take 1/2 of the wire, and use it to bridge terminals 2 and 4. Take the remainder and bridge 3 and 1. THERE YOU HAVE IT!

    NOT responsible for damage that may result.

    Meant as a spoof, because pipinscott is right.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author puja2sharma
      install updated anti viruses on your system. when you connect the USB drive then scan the USB drive,
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      • Profile picture of the author Sumit Menon
        Originally Posted by Pipinscott View Post

        The simple answer is "you can't".

        Remember, any file you can write to or delete can be operated on the same way by a virus, since the virus will probably be running as "you". On a public computer that "you" is whoever logged into the computer before you inserted your USB drive, but the same thing applies: if "you" can change or delete a file, a virus can also.
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        Gee, I can tell you how to virus proof your USB drive! It is 100% effective! Gets rid of ALL contagion either way! READY? OK, HERE is what you need:

        1. A piece of wire approximately .5"
        2. A little solder, maybe .5"
        3. A soldering iron.

        OK? Ready? Take 1/2 of the wire, and use it to bridge terminals 2 and 4. Take the remainder and bridge 3 and 1. THERE YOU HAVE IT!

        NOT responsible for damage that may result.

        Meant as a spoof, because pipinscott is right.

        Steve
        Damn! What if I installed an AV on the drive and set it to autorun, would that work?
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        • Profile picture of the author seasoned
          Originally Posted by Sumit Menon View Post

          Damn! What if I installed an AV on the drive and set it to autorun, would that work?
          They have SPECIAL anti virus programs that install on USB devices, and work everywhere. They CAN work well, and everywhere, but they are NOT PERFECT! I was poking fun at the implication.

          Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author CashGiftingExpert
        Originally Posted by puja2sharma View Post

        install updated anti viruses on your system. when you connect the USB drive then scan the USB drive,
        This is pretty much the only way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tobarja
    Yeah... You might want to find some better way to get your files off the PC.

    Is it Internet connected? Can you upload it to a website or ftp or attach it to an email?
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Tobarja View Post

      Yeah... You might want to find some better way to get your files off the PC.

      Is it Internet connected? Can you upload it to a website or ftp or attach it to an email?
      Actually, using a USB drive is better. The worst part about a USB drive is that the routines that allow grabing hooks to encrypt and operate the drive can be used to spread viruses. But using the internet not only allows a viral attack, but could make your data public. And, in such a case, the *******WORST******** and LEAST efficient and least capable way to handle it, is VIA EMAIL!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author paul_1
    Install "Avira(Free)" (available in FileHippo.com) in your PC... When you insert your USB back in your PC, always right click and "scan with Avira"... Viruses only work when the USB is plugged to a computer coz it wont work without a power source...
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      you can always put a bootable os on the usb key. ( like ubuntu ) which is free.

      boot the primary pc off the thumb drive, mount the disk you want files
      off of.

      Grab files.

      reboot pc back to windows,

      stick our thumb drive into your pc, and have your virus scanner scan
      the drive before transferring. the thumb drive wont be infected,
      but some of the exe's or other files maybe.

      but they WONT be able to infect you, unless you run them.

      i know it sounds like a lot, but in reality, it takes all of 5 min, the longest
      period is waiting for the machine to boot up.
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  • Profile picture of the author alihs707
    I would say to scan your USB on a regular basis
    I use ScanDisk USB, they offer a few AV's that can help you scan files whenever the usb is used.
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