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<p>In 2020, the [[FBI warned US companies to avoid USB sticks
received by
mail|https://www.cybereason.com/blog/fbi-warns-us-companies-to-avoid-malicious-usb-devices]]
because some of them contained malicious software, such as [[!wikipedia
BadUSB]].</p>
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<h2 id="usb">Recommended USB sticks</h2>
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<h2 id="computer">System requirements</h2>
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<!-- Fixing #16906 would remove the need for this 3rd USB stick. -->
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This USB stick can be of a smaller size and worse quality.
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1 USB stick to do [[manual upgrades|doc/upgrade]] on a few occasions when automatic upgrades are not available.
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We recommend that you [[create a backup Tails|doc/persistent_storage/backup]]
by cloning your primary Tails, including its Persistent Storage.
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1 USB stick of the same size to be your **backup Tails**, if you use the Persistent Storage.
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1 USB stick to be your **primary Tails**.
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If you want to store personal files and configuration in an encrypted [[Persistent Storage|doc/persistent_storage]], we recommend that you buy 2 USB sticks, ideally 3:
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How many USB sticks should I buy?
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You can test the write speed of your different USB sticks by comparing the
time it takes to [[clone Tails|install/clone/pc]], for example.
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Most quality USB sticks nowadays have read speeds of at least 100 MB/s and
are faster when used on USB 3.0 ports. Some USB sticks advertised for USB 3.0
have even greater speeds.
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USB 3.0 can be up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. USB 2.0 has a maximum read
speed of around 50 MB/s on USB sticks, while USB 3.0 has a maximum read speed
of around 500 MB/s.
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Check the specifications of your computer to determine whether your USB ports
support USB 3.0 or later. USB 3.0 ports are sometimes blue.
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**Consider buying faster USB sticks that support USB version 3.0 or later.**
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</div>
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<div class="attack">
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Avoid buying USB sticks online or using USB sticks that were given to you,
because they could contain malware.
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If you are in a place where counterfeit electronics are common, buy your USB
stick from an international supermarket chain, which should have a more
reliable supply chain.
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