Resolved Safeguard External Hard Drive

I have two desktop external hard drives for data backup and images. I unplug the power cables when not in use. Is that sufficient to keep hackers from accessing them or should I disconnect the USB connections as well?

 

If the drives use external power supply, they are dead as soon as you cut off the power. No need to disconnect USB connections. However for drives which do not use external power, disconnecting from USB is the only way out.

 

I suspected as much - just wanted to verify. Thanks.

 

FTR do take into account "physical security ". Sadly, this is too often overlooked.

What happens if a bad guy breaks into your home and steals your computer? Chances are he is going take a quick look around your desk and snag any external drives too. Then there goes your backups. So it is better to store those external drives in a different location - preferably at a trusted neighbors or relative's house, or even in your bank's safe deposit box.

It is the same issue with a fire, flood, or tornado taking out your house.

And note a good backup plan uses several backups to several devices. Not just one backup to one device.