What should you do before connecting any peripheral devices to a government-furnished laptop?

Running a virus scan on peripheral devices before connecting them to a government-furnished laptop is crucial for maintaining cybersecurity. Peripheral devices, such as USB drives or external hard drives, can be potential vectors for malware, which can compromise sensitive government data and the overall security of the laptop. By conducting a virus scan, you reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing harmful software that could exploit vulnerabilities or cause data breaches.

Ensuring compatibility or checking for safety certifications, while important, do not address the primary cybersecurity concern associated with the risks of connecting devices that may carry malicious software. Ignoring warnings and connecting devices without proper checks exposes the system to significant risks and undermines security protocols established to protect sensitive information.