I've noted several topics in the last 5-6 weeks re: malware popping up on removable media. I haven't had a chance to talk to Scott about TechShop's current or future plans for attempting to address the problem, and I wouldn't want to discuss specifics in this public forum either.

I'm in the IT security business, and we're looking into the rise of malware being propigated via USB drives. There are some companies coming out with hardened devices (Ironkey and now Sandisk, etc.). We are interested in enterprise-level solutions ($$$$), but wanted to pass on the following information for folks in TS who are interested in a low-cost (and low-tech) approach to reducing some of the risk of infecting their own USBs.

You must format the drive as NTFS first (there are some uesability issues with this... don't do it, if you don't understand them..)

Formatting with NTFS: http://www.ntfs.com/quest22.htm

"Possible" solution to reduce chances of malware propagation: http://blog.trendmicro.com/how-to-maximize-the-malware-protection-of-you...

I have not used one of my own USBs yet on TSRDU computers, but plan on doing so this week. I'll plan on taking to Scott and evaluating this issue some more this week.

If you have looked into this issue for your own thumb drives, please feel free to discuss here... only general info here though... please don't post anything specific about the TechShop computers or their malware protection.