[SOLVED] how to scan unknown usb / (micro) sd devices ?

[REDACTED]

Hi,

From time to time, i receive an usb stick or (micro)sd card from friends.
I am reluctant to just plug in an unknown device on my mac high sierra (even with an avast virusscanner installed)

I was wondering if there is a way to check if these devices are safe for use?

One idea was to download a live cd with an updated virusscanner that prevents virusses/malware when plugged in and burn it onto a bootable dvd.
Or is there a better way ?

kind regards, Tom.

[Pondus]

Or is there a better way ?

Do you have a windows computer where you can plug it in first? .... or does your friends that send you this USB stick


Highly recomended  >>  MCShield  http://www.mcshield.net/

Userguide pdf.doc  >>  http://www.mcshield.net/download/Doc/MCShield_Help_EN.pdf

[lukas.hasik]

Use the "Removable Volumes Scan" of AVAST AV to check such device however you need to plug it in first.
There is no autorun in macOSX therefore it should be safe to plug in the device.

[REDACTED]

Hi, Thank you for your help.

@Pondus
MCshield is not available for MAC :-(
Or is it not available because it is not needed on MAC ?

@lukas.hasik
So can i conclude that, on MAC, i can plugin any alien sd card or usb device without any risk ?

kind regards, Tom.

[lukas.hasik]

you can plug it without a risk that a malicious code will be run automatically by an autorun as it may happen on Windows OS.
However if you manually run a malware from USB then it may infect your computer. Yes, an antivirus should protect you against it.

[REDACTED]

Sorry to rephrase.

So nothing can happen on a Mac with an usb or sd card without manual action?

Thank you very much for your help.
Tom.

[Asyn]

Sorry to rephrase.
So nothing can happen on a Mac with an usb or sd card without manual action?

Correct.

[REDACTED]

Thank you very much for the info.