SD Card Security: What businesses and consumers must know!

While SD cards have brought us conveniences of great magnitudes, both businesses and consumers often forget that the importance of SD card security, because the more information we put on our SD cards, the more exposed we are, but what are we really doing to help secure our information? In this article, we take a look at some of the great benefits the SD cards bring us and some of the dangers lurking within this pool of unlimited space!

I’m sure everyone knows the opportunity SD cards provide for inexpensive storage space which can easily be plugged into your Smartphones, PCs or any digital device which facilitates an SD card slot. SD cards come in global standard sizes and hence are compatible with most devices.

It's ease of use and economical price points make it the perfect solution for storing large amounts of data. Whether it’s shooting high-resolution pictures and videos, listening to huge amounts of music or even just storing personal or professional data, the SD card makes life a little easier for us.

Do Not Store Sensitive Information in SD Card

Here are the many benefits of using an SD card:

  • The Non-volatile memory which keeps data stable on the card. Data on them are not threatened by loss of power source, and need not be periodically refreshed.
  • They require less amount of power.
  • They are highly portable and compatible making them easily used in a number of small, lightweight and low-power devices. And much more.

Different users have different types of data that they prefer to store. As easily accessible as it is for the user to access, so is it for an unethical person with ill intentions.

SD card security & what information a third party user can access:

1. When you lose your phone- Finder can either remove data card or just use a data cable.
2. If your data card is stolen from your phone- We all know how easy this is to obtain without the owner even being aware.
3. Third Party Applications- Apps can read everything that is stored on the SD card.

I think we all know how damaging it can get for an individual or a business if sensitive information lands in the wrong hands. We’ve seen many instances in the past of cyberbullying, blackmail, etc. with the use of sensitive data. All the more reason for us to take SD card security SERIOUSLY!

There is no real magical solution to this possible threatening situation; however the most basic of advice would be:

1) To the consumer- Try not to lose your phone or better still do not store sensitive data on your SD card or phones.
2) To the Developer/Business- Always encrypt data that is being stored on the SD card and try to never store sensitive information from the users in the SD card.

A lot of things that brings us convenience, could also be the cause of great grief. A moral lesson to learn from this post is to be aware, learn and act pro-actively towards cybersecurity breaches and in this case SD card security, because like the wise man once said, prevention is better than cure.

Published on Feb 29, 2016
Harshit Agarwal
Written by Harshit Agarwal
Harshit Agarwal is the co-founder and CEO of Appknox, a mobile security suite that helps enterprises automate mobile security. Over the last decade, Harshit has worked with 500+ businesses ranging from top financial institutions to Fortune 100 companies, helping them enhance their security measures.
Beyond the tech world, Harshit loves adventure. When he's not busy making sure the digital realm is safe, he's out trekking and exploring new destinations.

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