What is considered the greatest risk associated with USB drives?

The greatest risk associated with USB drives is the theft of the devices. USB drives are small and easily portable, making them susceptible to being lost or stolen. When a USB drive is taken, it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on it, which can result in data breaches. This risk is particularly significant in environments where employees may handle sensitive data, as lost or stolen drives can expose organizations to legal, financial, and reputational damage.

While data corruption, malware infections, and firmware bugs are valid concerns, they tend to be specific to the condition and use of the device rather than representing the overarching risk posed by the physical nature of USB drives. The potential for theft highlights the importance of implementing robust data protection measures, such as encryption and access controls, to safeguard information stored on removable media.