Is sensitive data safe on a USB stick?

For example, if I write passwords for bank accounts or other things in Excel and then drag them directly to a USB stick, they are then protected from viruses, Trojans, etc., or those attackers could also access these files because I wrote them on the notebook?

If you have inserted the stick, the data can of course be accessed in the same way as on a hard disk. In addition, there's the uncertainty that a mobile data carrier brings with it (theft, quickly defective, etc.)

Overall, this is a rather unsafe solution. S. G. Password safes are much better (e.g.

https://de.wikipedia.org/...i/KeePass). They are usually also available in an installation-free version, so that you can put it on a USB stick and thus have your mobile password solution. You should then keep a "backup" of this.

Against viruses etc they are just as at risk as your PC itself! As long as you don't take any special protective measures! The internal Excel password protection is also not worth much!

Even if I removed the USB stick?

Safer Than What?

Passwords belong in an encrypted password safe (e.g. Keepass) and data must be backed up.

Alternatively, you can write down the passwords on paper - then nobody can access them via the network. But that is not "fail-safe" either. (Own stupidity, family members, apartment fire…)

Isn't the encryption on this USB stick sufficient as security? SanDisk Secure Access also offers the possibility to make a backup as far as I know. https://www.mediamarkt.de/...36675.html

Of course, a virus does not work if it is "only" on the stick, but as soon as you put the stick on, the virus can become active! In addition, the stick is easy to steal or misplace! A security concept is not bad! Firewall and virus scanner! There are many sources of danger! Even if the stick is not plugged into the PC and you enter a password on one side, it can be fished!

For data backup it is currently the best medium after paper!

It lacks z. B. The 2-factor authorization.