Posts Tagged ‘security’

Prevent Thumb Drive Security Disasters

January 30th, 2012

We came across this article, and wanted to pass it along.

For such a small device, the plastic, handheld USB flash drive can cause big security headaches. Even if you have robust end-point security and establish rigid policies about employee use of these drives, employees still find a way to copy financial reports and business plans for use at home. While other security breaches are more traceable, a flash drive is more difficult to monitor, especially after the employee leaves work.

Some security professionals suggest a radical approach to locking down USB flash drives. Sean Greene, a security consultant at Evidence Solutions, advises his clients to use a clear silicone caulk and fill every USB port on every PC to prevent USB attachments. He says the only way employees can transmit sensitive business documents is by email, a method that his clients can easily monitor.

Chris Harget, a spokesperson for security vendor ActivIdentity, adds that many military organizations don’t allow the drives at all, and they have resorted to gluing USB ports closed to prevent breaches.

http://www.networkworld.com/research/2012/012712-how-to-prevent-thumb-drive-255414.html?source=nww_rss