Data breach response and USB forensic investigation

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must act swiftly when a personal data breach is detected to comply with regulatory requirements. A breach, as defined by the CNIL, includes the loss of availability, integrity, or confidentiality of personal data, whether accidental or illicit. This can range from a ransomware attack to a stolen computer or an incorrectly sent file.

Key response steps include containing the incident without destroying evidence, documenting all technical and operational decisions, and determining if notification to authorities is required. Companies are advised to isolate affected equipment and centralize all GDPR-related documentation within the first 72 hours.

In digital forensics, investigating USB device usage is a critical component of tracking data exfiltration or malware infections, such as the Raspberry Robin worm. Windows systems record extensive metadata for connected peripherals, including manufacturer details, serial numbers, and connection timestamps. While these artifacts can link a specific device to a user profile, they do not inherently provide a complete list of files copied to or from the storage medium.