USB drives becoming more of a malware threat

USB devices are extremely convenient, just plug them in and you're ready to go. Some USB flash dives in recent times have come with built in software that through Microsoft Windows is capable of being automatically launched as the device is plugged in. There is an inherent problem with this feature however, Windows does not stipulate whether or not the program that launches from the device is malicious or not. Therefore malicious code is capable of being placed onto the device causing it to infect every computer that it is inserted into. Recently there have been quite a few occurrences of manufacturers unknowingly distributing malicious code right from the factory. Whether or not it happens on purpose (someone purposely infecting the testbed computers) or by accident (improper virus protection within the testbed systems or an employee unwillingly spreading malware into the system).