Blocking Malware Spreading through USB Drives
February 15, 2011 Computer Safety Tip
One of the major ways offline malware and virus infections spread is by making use of AutoRun.Inf, which can usually 
be found on a USB Drive. This is evident through the increased malware infections via USB drives. In order to achieve their goals, the malicious codes modify the AutoRun.Inf file on the infected device. One of the best ways to eliminate this problem is by blocking the AutoRun file on the device. There are various suitable software applications on the market which can lock the AutoRun file on any USB drive. This software will effectively prevent any application from modifying the AutoRun file.
Following is a list of software which can be employed to stop the virus infection of an AutoRun file:
a) USB Defender
This portable software is a powerful application designed to protect your device from AutoRun viruses. USB Defender will automatically detect a USB drive when connected to your PC which allows you to protect or unprotect the device at your leisure. Windows 6, Windows XP, Vista and Widnows 2K are supported.
Making use of this software cannot be simpler. Simply select the USB drive you want to protect, click on the “Protect” button and Bob’s your uncle. Follow the following link to download USB Defender:
http://sites.google.com/site/mbentefor/documents
b) Panda USB Vaccine
This freeware is an antimalware application which blocks malware spreading through USB drives. Panda USB Vaccine is a fantastic and free tool for users who want to disable the AutoRun feature on their PCs as well as on any other devices and USB drives.
As with USB Defender, Panda USB Vaccine is user friendly and very portable. Download your free version of Panda USB Vaccine from USBVaccine.zip
c) C. SMADAV Anti-virus
d) This application is much more than just your garden variety Antivirus tool. C. SMADAV Anti-virus combines an Antivirus and AutoRun block tool all in one portable, user friendly package. To lock AutoRun file making use of C. SMADAV Anti-virus, run the software and click on the “Tools” Tab, clicking on Smad-Lock. Now select the drive you’d like to protect.
