If you have a offline only computer what’s the best way to get large amounts of data to it? Assuming it could potentially attach malware to a usb or similar attached to it. The computer never needs to send data only receive

Transferring data to an offline computer while minimizing the risk of malware requires careful consideration and several precautionary steps. Here are some recommended practices: 1. **Use a Clean USB Drive**: - Start with a new or freshly formatted USB drive. If possible, use a USB drive that has never been used on an internet-connected device. - Format the USB drive to remove any existing content and potential malware. 2. **Scan for Malware**: - Before transferring data to the USB drive, scan it with reliable antivirus software on a clean, internet-connected computer. Make sure this computer has up-to-date antivirus definitions. - Optionally, you can use a secondary USB drive that is used exclusively for scanning and transferring data to the offline computer. 3. **Transfer Data**: - Transfer the desired files from the safe, internet-connected computer to the USB drive. Ensure these files are from trusted sources. - Avoid downloading files from untrusted websites or services, as they may contain malware. 4. **Scan Again**: - After transferring files to the USB drive, perform another malware scan on the USB drive before connecting it to the offline computer. Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. 5. **Transfer to Offline Computer**: - Once the USB drive is verified to be clean, plug it into the offline computer to transfer the files. - Be cautious of auto-run features (although they are generally disabled in modern operating systems). Manually navigate to the USB drive to copy files. 6. **Physical Security**: - Ensure the offline computer is physically secure and not accessible to unauthorized users. - Consider using a write-protect switch on the USB drive (if available) to prevent any changes once data has been transferred. 7. **Regular Maintenance**: - Periodically repeat the scanning and formatting process for the USB drive, especially if it's used for multiple transfers. - Maintain a routine of using new or freshly formatted drives for each data transfer to further mitigate risks. 8. **Data Minimization**: - Only transfer files you absolutely need. Smaller, essential transfers reduce overall risk compared to bulk data transfers. 9. **Consider an External Hard Drive**: - For larger amounts of data, a dedicated external hard drive can be used with the same precautions as a USB stick. 10. **Use Encrypted Storage**: - If dealing with sensitive information, consider using encrypted folders or drives for additional security. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the data you transfer to your offline computer is safe and free from malware.