Blocked USB ports don't actually prevent data theft, they just seal off one of the many modes of data loss. The entire process of blocking USB ports is pointless if any disgruntled employee can export sensitive data via email, burn files to a CD/DVD, or transfer files during remote access. Thieves can even download data from the cloud.
A permanently closed door is no door at all, and does no good. Blocking USB ports indiscriminately prohibits the use of necessary devices such as mobile phones, cameras, wireless networking devices like modems, and fingerprint scanners, which affects employee morale and even stifles employee productivity. With simple data transfers becoming complex due to blocked USB ports, employees might resort to the use of shadow IT.*
Fifty percent of the global workforce will be mobile by 2020. With organizations adopting bring your own device (BYOD) policies at record rates, a data loss prevention solution that does not impede growth and productivity for the sake of security is critical. Blocking USB ports makes the implementation of BYOD in the workplace difficult and arduous.
In short, USB blocking is a crude and rudimentary solution to a complex information security crisis. Organizations need a wholesome security solution that can prevent data loss without compromising productivity.
Monitor and report on all files transferred to USB devices within your network in real time. Create custom reports using built-in filters to check if a specific employee has transferred files to a USB device, or if a particular file has been copied to a USB.
Notify data owners and admins instantly when suspicious activities, such as multiple unwarranted file transfers take place or when critical files are copied to USBs, to prevent possible insider attacks.
Stop potential data leaks by enforcing file copy prevention policies that can block users from copying business-critical files to USB devices. Use custom warning messages to discourage employees from performing unauthorized data movements.
