USB Blocking and Endpoint Protection with DLP

One lesser-known form of data exploitation comes from removable devices such as USB drives. These devices are often used as malware and data theft carriers to steal or leak sensitive data. 

By implementing USB blocking through advanced DLP solutions, organisations can protect their data and endpoints from potential breaches and cyber threats. In this blog, we will explore USB blocking and why it is an essential part of securing your company's data. 

What is Data Loss Prevention?

Data Loss Prevention, or DLP, is a security strategy employed by organisations to prevent unauthorised access to data by monitoring, identifying and restricting data transfer activities in accordance with organisational policies and regulations. 

DLP solutions are important in today’s era because they provide a way to monitor data that is in motion and in use to get an idea of how data is being used. 

What is USB Blocking?

USB Blocking, is a way to safeguard data from unauthorised devices. By using DLP USB blocking, organisations can ensure that their information is not getting transferred to any external devices and prevent malware and ransomware from infiltrating their systems. 

USB blocking only allows select devices after blocking all other storage devices using identifiers like Product ID (PID) and Vendor ID (VID). 

It can also be applied at various levels like at OS for managing USB access, at BIOS to disable ports or at the application level with specialised software to implement connection rules. 

How Does USB Protection Work?

USB protection is all about setting rules that help determine how the USB port of your device reacts to an external USB device. It also decides whether or not that device can share or access information with the attached computer or laptop. 

Companies employ DLP software for implementing USB protection. The DLP software helps in blacklisting or whitelisting devices, managing access policies and blocking USB ports to control usage effectively. 

Companies can monitor their USB usage and can physically block any device if required. This careful monitoring reduces the risk of data theft or getting affected by malware or ransomware. 

Features of USB Blocking

Here are the two most predominant features of USB Blocking:

• USB Whitelist: A USB whitelist is a method by which your DLP software prevents unauthorised devices from connecting with your system. By allowing only granted devices, you prevent cyber attacks from affecting your system. 
• USB Device Management: USB Blocking also allows you to monitor all the devices that are being connected to your system. Through this, not only can you keep track of the devices but also limit the amount of time a device can be connected to a system. 

Benefits of USB Blocking

• Monitor USB Usage: Organisations can track all external devices that have been connected to their systems. This allows them to monitor what each device accessed while being connected. 
• Spot unusual USB activity: USB blocking spots any unusual activity and immediately informs you via email. This helps you prevent any risky actions and maintain control. 
• Prevent Data Theft Loss And Leaks: Organisations restrict people from transferring important data into their USB devices. This is done to prevent any form of data leaks due to negligence or intent. 
• Safe Mode Protection: When your device is under safe mode, USB blocking prevents unauthorised devices from connecting with your system, thereby providing an additional layer of protection. 
• Block Malware: USB devices can be carriers of viruses that can be harmful to your system. By blacklisting such devices, organisations protect their system from getting exposed to dangerous software. 

Which Endpoints are Safeguarded with USB Protection?

1. USB and Peripheral Port Control: This method prevents USB devices from using your USB port. The list includes USB drives, external hard drives, printers and more. When a USB port is blocked, your employees can not use it to transfer any form of data to any external data. 
2. Access Restrictions: Under access restrictions, USB policies can be used based on the organisation’s policies and can be categorised into multiple types, including write access restriction, read access restriction, device class restriction and more. 

Misconceptions About USB Protection?

Some common misconceptions about USB restrictions involve:

• It Blocks all USB devices: USB blocking can be customised, allowing specific devices to access your system. 
• It Slows Down Workflow: If you efficiently implement the DLP solutions while maintaining security it can actually increase productivity. 
• It is Not Compulsory for Encrypted Devices: It is a myth to think that encrypted devices can not steal data. Any device can be exploited if it falls into the wrong hands. 
• Only Protects Data Transfer: USB protections also extend into protecting your data against malware through infected devices.

Conclusion

USB blocking and endpoint protection are extremely important to safeguard your data from getting exploited. By restricting unauthorised devices from accessing your system, you can enhance security, ensure compliance and protect it against a wide range of digital threats. 

At InstaSafe, we understand how important endpoint protection is and make sure your company remains ahead of changing cyber threats. 

This is why Zero Trust security solutions offer End Point Security Controls as a key feature to ensure comprehensive endpoint protection. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between DLP and endpoint protection?

DLP secures sensitive data, whereas endpoint protects overall security for devices against malware and other threats. 

2. What is DLP for endpoints?

Endpoint DLP monitors and prevents sensitive data from being transferred from endpoints, ensuring compliance and security. 

3. What are the three types of DLP?

The three types of DLP include endpoint DLP, network DLP and cloud DLP

4. What is the use of endpoint protection?

Endpoint protection safeguards devices from malware, ransomware and unauthorised access, ensuring overall system security.