Most days, I’m focused on strengthening firewalls, managing endpoint protection, and running phishing simulations. But every so often, a low-tech tactic makes headlines again. This time, it is the humble USB drive. In 2024, it is back in force and law firms are feeling the heat.

Let’s rewind.

Imagine this: a USB stick labeled “Case Notes” is sitting by the office copier. A lawyer, thinking it was left behind by a colleague, plugs it in. That one move triggers malware designed to steal confidential contracts. This is not a rare edge case. According to Kaspersky, USB-based attacks rose by 30 percent this year. Hackers are intentionally dropping infected drives in common areas, counting on curiosity and trust.

At CyberStreams, we track threats like these closely. USBs are a known vehicle for ransomware like Ryuk and REvil, which surged in legal industry incidents over the past year. These attacks bypass traditional defenses because they rely on human action, not code flaws. Once a malicious USB is connected, it is often game over. And the stats back this up. Verizon’s 2024 DBIR report shows that 60 percent of breaches start with human error. In this case, it is not a phishing email or compromised password. It is a simple device you can hold in your hand.

We have walked into law offices where physical security is taken more seriously than digital hygiene. But in a field where confidentiality is everything, a moment of curiosity can destroy years of trust.

Three Takeaways and Next Steps:

Ban Stray USBs
Found a USB on the floor or by the copier? Do not plug it in. Call IT immediately and treat it as a potential threat.

Think Breach Costs
The average data breach cost hit $4.5 million in 2023, according to IBM. One bad decision could put your firm and your clients at risk.

Lock Ports Down
CyberStreams offers tools to disable unauthorized USB use across your organization. If this concerns you, let’s talk.

Conclusion:
This is not a futuristic threat. It is happening now, and it is painfully preventable. Law firms cannot afford to lose control of sensitive case files, settlement details, or privileged emails because of a ten-dollar USB stick. If your security policy still assumes only online threats, it is time for an update. USB-based malware is quiet, effective, and rising fast. Let’s shut the door on this one.

Have a close call or a lesson learned from a rogue USB? Reach out. This is Mat Kordell, signing off.

Want to learn more about protecting your team from low-tech threats? Check the links below or contact me directly at [email protected].