If Someone Finds My USB Drive, Can They Open the Files?

Usually, yes, if the files are stored normally with no password or encryption. A found USB drive can be plugged into another computer, and visible documents, photos, spreadsheets, PDFs, and folders may open just like they did on your PC.

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What a Finder May Be Able to Open

Plain files

Normal files copied to the USB drive can usually be opened, previewed, copied, or uploaded from another computer.

Hidden folders

Hidden folders are not secure. A finder can reveal hidden items in File Explorer or use search tools to locate them.

Read-only files

Read-only status may reduce editing, but it does not stop viewing or copying.

Password-protected archives

ZIP or 7z archives can protect files inside the archive, but any file outside the archive is still exposed.

Encrypted secure areas

If private files were placed inside a password-protected secure area created by GiliSoft USB Encryption, a finder should not be able to open those protected files without the password.

Keep travel, delivery, or public files in the normal public area.
Keep contracts, ID scans, invoices, backups, client data, and private photos in the secure area.
Set up USB encryption before the drive is lost, borrowed, or found by someone else.