Transferring personal data by USB device
USB devices offer a convenient way to transfer data between two computers. However, their small physical size and large data capacity means that large volumes of personal data can be lost or stolen with relative ease.
Furthermore, if personal data is not securely wiped from USB devices prior to reuse there is a possibility that data considered deleted by the data controller could be recovered by a third-party.
Personal data can be encrypted by placing the files within an encrypted container on a USB device but requires the recipient to have access to the same encryption algorithm or software.
Hardware encrypted USB devices are also available which contain the necessary encryption capability embedded within the device, meaning that the data can be decrypted without the need for the user to install additional software. Due to a number of security risks present in permitting the use of USB devices, a number of organisations have implemented policies which forbid or technically limit the functionality of USB devices.
The sender would also need to consider a method to transfer the key or password to the recipient over a separate communication channel.
About the Author
Head of Commercial & Country Manager
Zlatko Delev is Head of Commercial and Country Manager at GDPRLocal, where he leads the company’s commercial strategy and market presence. He brings international experience across sales, marketing, and customer success, along with a legal background from his studies at Iustinianus Primus Law School in Skopje, Macedonia.
Zlatko sits at the front line of GDPRLocal’s client relationships, guiding organisations through the first stages of their compliance journey and helping them understand where they stand and where they need to go on GDPR, information security, and the emerging landscape of AI regulation. His role bridges commercial strategy with practical data protection knowledge, ensuring clients get clear, actionable direction from their very first conversation with GDPRLocal.
Alongside his commercial focus, Zlatko has trained extensively in project management and organisational leadership, including risk management, stakeholder communication, agile methodology, and digital marketing, a broad skill set that supports his structured, delivery-focused approach to growing GDPRLocal’s business internationally.