USB 3.0 is a high-speed version of the Universal Serial Bus standard, designed to move data faster than earlier USB generations while staying broadly compatible with older ports and devices. In practice, it is used by hubs, drives, keyboards, adapters, and many other peripherals that sit between a computer and external hardware.
In cyber security, USB 3.0 matters because speed and convenience can increase risk. Fast removable media can make data theft, software loading, and unauthorized device connections easier. The standard also supports complex hubs and controllers, so defenders care about what is actually inside a peripheral, not just the label on the box. Security teams mitigate USB risk with device control, port restrictions, endpoint monitoring, and careful inspection of untrusted hardware.