AutoRun and AutoPlay
AutoRun and AutoPlay were added as a convenience feature in WindowsXP and subsequent versions. It has been used for nefarious reasons, mainly to AutoStart malicious USB drives. Especially on servers it should be disabled. To do that through Group Policy:
AutoPlay
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Autoplay Policies.
In the Details pane, double-click Turn off Autoplay
Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the Turn off Autoplay
AutoRun
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System
In the Settings pane, right-click Turn off Autoplay, and then click Properties.
Click Enabled, and then select All drives in the Turn off Autoplay box