Which safety guideline is recommended for external storage devices?

• A. Enable auto-run for all devices
• B. Keep personal files on the main computer drive
• C. Keep personal files on separate, never close to computer
• D. Connect any device without inquiry

Answer: (C)

Keeping personal files on a separate external storage device is a recommended safety guideline. This practice helps protect your primary computer from potential malware infections that can occur when transferring data from less secure external devices. By isolating personal files on an external storage device, users can also ensure easier backup processes and enhance data organization.

It is a fundamental principle of data management and cybersecurity to minimize the risk of data loss and unauthorized access. Storing personal files externally can also simplify transferring files between different computers without cluttering the main system's hard drive, ensuring that sensitive information is stored with more control and attention to security.

The guideline to keep files separate from the main computer drive specifically counters practices such as connecting devices without proper checks or enabling auto-run features, which can inadvertently introduce risks to the system.