Western Digital has announced a security vulnerability affecting its WD My Book Live and WD My Book Live Duo external hard drives that could allow an attacker to remotely delete all data stored on the device. The Western Digital hard drives affected by this issue are older products that have not received a firmware update since 2015.

Western Digital advises anyone using these external hard drives to disconnect the devices from the Internet to protect their data.

Pitt Information Technology also recommends that owners of these drives periodically check Western Digital’s website for updates on this vulnerability and possible resolutions.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.