[dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

Jim Lawrence accessd at shaw.ca
Tue Aug 5 17:10:58 CDT 2014


Hi Lambert:

While we are on the subject, as you pointed out, there are some great router replacement software, OS packages out there, which add superior security, reliability and functionality. Many of our most commonly purchased routers are really unstable and totally insecure pieces of junk...according to an article I read from developers who are in the know. Too bad my current router is not patchable or compatible but friends have totted their router triumphs.

I have not looked but maybe there is an OSS firmware package, somewhere on the web, which is designed to refresh a USB drive.

Jim 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lambert Heenan" <Lambert.Heenan at aig.com>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 2:09:01 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

Firmware is 'firm' because it is difficult to access. The hardware manufacturer can get at it, but not usually us chickens on the outside. From time to time I update the firmware on my digital camera, but that's using software provided by the manufacturer. 

Some time ago some genius hackers figure out how to get at and replace the firmware on LinkSys wireless routers (WRT54G) http://lifehacker.com/178132/hack-attack-turn-your-60-router-into-a-600-router, http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3562391, but that's way beyond me.

Lambert

-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Jim Lawrence
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2014 4:55 PM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

Well, how do you access the USB's firmware? 

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lambert Heenan" <Lambert.Heenan at aig.com>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 1:25:41 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

But formatting will do nothing to the firmware in the USB drive, and that is the potential source of risk that was discussed.

Lambert

-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Jim Lawrence
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2014 2:04 PM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

Hi Arthur:

Thanks for that link. Just a thought on the article, as a USB drive can be configured as a fully bootable OS, such issues are always possible. If concerned about the integrity of a thumb drive a full re-format is an option.

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arthur Fuller" <fuller.artful at gmail.com>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 August, 2014 6:32:21 AM
Subject: [dba-Tech] Researchers: Avoid Using USB/Thumb Drives

Infopackets has an article whose subject is the above.

http://www.infopackets.com/news/9313/researchers-avoid-using-usb-flash-drives

--
Arthur
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