Ask Arthur: Are flash drives safe?

A reader asks if it's safe to use other people's flash drives. No and yes, writes ARTHUR GOLDSTUCK.

Q: Is it safe to use other people's flash drives?

A: For years, USB flash drives were my all-time favourite gadgets, because they were so convenient for moving data around. But they also pose serious security risks. Yeah, if you happen to plug in a flash drive that's infected with malware, it can steal your personal info or even take control of your computer.

There are two major risks when using other people's flash drives:

Here are some safety tips for staying safe while using flash drives: