If you download data onto a USB key and then put it into another computer to access the information installed on it, does it leave any data on that second machine please? For instance, if I have my banking details on the key, can that information be accessed by a subsequent user of that computer after I have removed the key?
I think you'll find the answer is yes .... but only if you open the file(s) (unless the machine is specially set up to steal info)
if (for instance) you open a word document - the PC holds the document details in memory
word creates a recovery file on disc - but also uses memory as temporary storage
if you work on the file - it will be written again to the HDD
memory
1 will then only be cleared if the space is needed so it's in there (until the machine is rebooted)
2 if memory is in short supply - it will use the pagefile as "virtual" memory instead of "real" memory.... so the info ends up on the disk (again) - and could linger for ages
It's a fact that internet cafe users should bear in mind
(and some do - generally the ones after the info)
if the machine is set up for drive write cacheing - the cache information will also end up on disc - and again if you copy and paste info.
so the answer is yes - possibly many times - BUT - it's not that easy to access - you'd have to know how - and the circumstances would have to be right - but it's very much possible.
Thanks AC although you have told me what I didn't want to hear, I had a feeling it might be the case and that's why I asked the question. If you are correct, It would therefore be foolish to access a bank account on anything other than your own PC. I think I will err on the side of caution. Pity that, it makes USB keys rather suspect security wise..