I have a lot of files on my laptop, a lot relating to work. I encrypt these with RSA 2048 storing the RSA public and private keys on an encrypted USB. Is that secure enough, or can it be hacked?
It's OK Tony... there is essentially no hope of a hack without a decrypt key. A password hack is entirely different, but that is not what you're talking about.
However, there are two potential problems with removing the key from your system.
1.
You lose the flash drive and someone gets ahold of it. Extremely unlikely, but in the case they get physical access to your system they can get into the files. Like I said...extremely unlikely.
2.
If you lose that flash drive or damage it (like... by forgetting to remove it from your pocket and it goes into the washing machine and then a hot dryer which manages to screw it up somehow) you have a problem. Permanently lose the key and likewise all your data is permanently inaccessible. This scenario is much more likely to occur.
Something to think about...