How Hackers Use Infected USB Drives to Target Oil and Gas Firms
Oil and Gas Under Siege: How Cybercriminals Weaponized USBs Against Asia's Energy Sector
Did you know that a seemingly harmless USB drive can detrimentally impact major industries and cause substantial financial loses? A harmless-looking device silently infiltrating a company’s network, causing chaos and destruction without anyone even suspecting a thing is a new and alarming crime on the rise. It’s crucial that you learn how to prevent this from happening to your company.
The oil and gas industry may be in the crosshairs today, but tomorrow it could be your organization

Recent Attacks Targeting Oil and Gas Firms Through USB Drives
Recent cyber-attacks targeted oil and gas companies in Asia by infecting their systems through USB drives.
Hackers used the SNOWYDRIVE malware to spread through USBs and create backdoors into networks. Once inside, it spreads to other USBs and executes commands to steal data.
Infected USBs: An Easy Entry Point
USB drives remain a common way for hackers to initially infect systems. They’re easy to lose track of and often shared between employees, so malware can spread quickly. These recent attacks show how hackers take advantage of USBs to hack into oil and gas firms’ networks.
To guard against USB-based attacks, organizations should:
- Restrict USB access and only allow approved drives. This makes it harder for infected USBs to enter the network.
- Scan all USBs for malware before allowing access. Solutions like Smart Keeper’s NewGen Protect can automatically scan USBs and block malware from spreading through USB ports.
- Educate employees about USB security best practices. Remind staff to only use approved USB drives and be cautious when plugging in unknown USBs.
- Monitor for signs of USB-based malware like SNOWYDRIVE. Watch for unusual activity that could indicate a backdoor or malware spreading through USB connections.
- Have an incident response plan in place. Be ready to isolate infected systems, stop the spread of malware, and remediate damage from a USB-based attack.
With vigilance and the right safeguards, companies can reduce the risks of data breaches and cyber espionage through infected USB drives. Choosing smart, easy-to-use security solutions helps prevent these kinds of attacks while easing the burden of compliance for IT teams. Protecting your organization’s networks and data from all entry points, including USBs, should remain a top priority.

Preventing USB-Based Cyber Attacks with Port Blockers
To prevent USB-based cyber attacks, using port blocking devices is key. These tools physically block USB ports to prevent unauthorized devices like infected USB drives from connecting to your systems.
Smart Keeper USB Blockers
USB Port blocking devices from Smart Keeper are designed specifically to thwart USB-based threats. Their port lockers physically seal off USB ports to stop malware from entering through removable media. Smart Keeper’s solutions are simple to set up and don’t require advanced IT skills to implement or manage.
Choosing Smart Keeper port blockers provides an easy, all-in-one solution to help safeguard your organization’s data and simplify compliance. Their port blocking tools seal USB ports to prevent:
- Malware infections from infected USB drives
- Data breaches from unauthorized USB devices
- Ransomware attacks that often start with a USB infection
To use Smart Keeper port blockers, you just insert them into your USB ports. They instantly block access while allowing you to quickly unblock specific ports when needed for approved devices. Smart Keeper’s solutions are user-friendly and affordable, giving you comprehensive USB port security without complexity or high cost.
Using port blocking devices like those from Smart Keeper, in combination with other best practices like USB scanning and employee education, can significantly reduce the risks of a damaging cyber attack from infected USB drives. Physically restricting USB access helps ensure that only approved removable media can connect to your systems. Port blockers provide an easy first line of defense against one of the most common infection vectors.
For comprehensive data and network security, port blocking tools should be part of your organization’s overall cyber risk management strategy. Smart Keeper’s USB port blockers provide a simple, affordable solution to help block malware, prevent data breaches, and ease compliance burdens. Protecting your systems and data from threats is easier with the right port blocking solution in place.
Smart Keeper's Port Blocker Solution Safeguards Against USB Threats
Smart Keeper’s Port Blocker solution protects your organization from threats like the SNOWYDRIVE malware. Their USB port blocking tools prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your systems, stopping malware from dying in its tracks.
Smart keeper's Port Blocker safeguards your data
Smart Keeper’s Port Blockers monitors and controls the USB ports on all your devices. It allows you to choose which USB drives and other external storage devices can connect to your systems. If an unauthorized drive is plugged in, Port Blocker prevents it from mounting and blocks the flow of data.
This helps shield you from malware like SNOWYDRIVE that spreads through infected USBs. Port Blocker secures your ports so that only pre-approved USB drives that you know and trust can connect. It gives you control and visibility over what’s plugging into your network.
Smart Keeper’s solution is also user-friendly. You don’t need an advanced IT degree to set it up or maintain it. Port Blocker’s intuitive interface lets you easily approve or block specific USB drives with the click of a button. You can schedule scans, receive alerts about unauthorized connection attempts, and generate reports on port activity.
Choosing Smart Keeper’s Port Blockers helps reduce the risk of a malware infection through USB drives. It provides an affordable, all-in-one solution to safeguard your ports and the data that flows through them. Port Blocker gives you control, visibility, and peace of mind that your systems are protected from threats trying to sneak in through USB connections.
For organizations in high-risk industries like oil and gas, solutions like Smart Keeper’s Port Blocker are essential. By securing your USB ports and controlling what devices can access your network, you make yourself a harder target for cybercriminals trying to infiltrate your systems. Port Blocker helps ensure that infected USBs like those delivering SNOWYDRIVE stay out of your organization.
Why Choose Smart Keeper - Acton?
Smartkeeper – Acton is a smart choice for businesses for several reasons:
Cost Effective
Smartkeeper – Acton Products is very budget-friendly. The low cost means any business can benefit from the platform regardless of size or budget.
Easy to Use
Smartkeeper – Acton is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The simple, streamlined interface requires almost no training to get started. The plug and play technology do not require any advanced IT knowledge to fully secure your devices
Create a key unique to your organization only!
The Pro Series utilizes a key that is specific to your organization. This key grants access to the port locks installed within your organization. Keys that are not designed for your organization will not be able to unlock the locks specifically created for your organization. For more information, please contact our sales team and technical team.
Free Demo!
Protect your organization with Smartkeeper. Experience the power of this simple technology that can safeguard your organization from cyber threats. Schedule a demo or speak directly with our engineers to learn how Smartkeeper can protect you by clicking this, check us at newgenprotect.com.
Want to know more? Our Smartkeeper team is just one click away.
Smartkeeper is an affordable, easy-to-use solution that doesn’t require advanced IT skills. With this straightforward device, you can effectively halt and prevent harmful malware, potentially saving you from millions of dollars in damages.
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